Thomas "Bones" Earl Martin

Thomas “Bones” Earl Martin, 77 of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO surrounded by family.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2^nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post 5675 in Odessa, MO.  Memories of Bones and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.   

Bones was born on November 29, 1945, in Odessa, MO to Earl and Jean (Robinette) Martin.  He was a Veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country honorably in the Vietnam War and earned the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.  Bones was a member of the VFW Post 5675 in Odessa, MO.  On April 23, 1996, Bones was united in marriage to Betty Louise Wulfekotter in Miami, OK.  He worked many years for WinCup in Higginsville, MO and retired from Aaon Coil Co. in Longview, Texas.  In addition to spending time with family and friends, Bones enjoyed riding his Harley, hotrods, fishing, traveling, and boxing. 

Bones is survived by his wife Betty Martin of Odessa, MO; four children, Melanie Valdez and husband James of Lawrence, KS, Jennifer Jennings and husband Daniel of Higginsville, MO, Amy Jo Lett of Odessa, MO, and Johnny Ray Lamb of Odessa, MO; 12 grandchildren, Jordan, Grant, Perry, Isaac, Raymond, Kierstin, Diondre, Labron, Johnathon, Autumn, Angel, and Jordan; 4 great-grandchildren; four brothers, John Martin and wife Bonnie of Arizona, Dale Martin and wife Jo of Minnesota, Paul Martin and wife Pam of Minnesota, David Martin and wife Beth of Texas, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Bones was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Martin Valdez; and one brother, Alvin Martin.