Delbert Eugene Martin

Obituary

Delbert Eugene “Big Duke” Martin died in hospice in Glasgow, Missouri, on July 27, 2025. He was 74 years of age.
Delbert was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 10, 1951, a son of the late Elmer and Harriet (Cason) Martin. He graduated from Glasgow High School in 1969 and retired from MFA Incorporated in Columbia, Missouri.
Delbert was an artist who enjoyed basketball, dancing, and a good western. He was also an avid reader of mystery novels. He had an infectious laugh and always had a joke and a smile for you.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Saundra J. Harvey Martin.
He is survived by his daughters, Jessie Harvey and Melanie Martin, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Ashly Martin (wife Cortney) of Olympia, Washington; one grandchild, Tarvares Eric Patrick; step-grandchildren, Nadia Wright and Gabriel Curry; two brothers, Elroy Martin of Glasgow, MO, and Maurice Martin of Boonville, MO; and two sisters, Emogene Chambers and Gaynell Harris, both of Kansas City, MO. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Dr. Elmer Martin Jr., James Martin, Charles Martin, and Albert Martin, and two sisters, Addie Cooper and Florean Edwards.
At the wishes of his daughters, no services will be held. At Delbert's request he will be cremated, and his memory will be honored privately.
The family thanks everyone for their thoughts. We know our father will be deeply missed.

Timeline

Gallery

Memory wall

August 2, 2025

Rest in paradise. I don’t think I ever met you in person. But I do remember you walking down the street looking sharp as can be in your suit. I send my condolences to my Aunt Jessie, Ashly and Melanie. just know he is up in heaven, walking with class in style in his suit.

Ladonna Redden

July 31, 2025

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Delbert Martin, my classmate & friend. Delbert was kind and would have you laughing with his humor. I enjoyed our chats and visits. I still have a drawing he did of me which I’ll always treasure. The world would be better off with more kind people like Delbert. RIP my friend. Count me in with the many people who will miss you. You may be gone from here but forever in our memories. Love and prayers my friend.

Glenda D. Terrill

July 29, 2025

Uncle Debby will be missed greatly, but definitely never forgotten! When he was around you could expect some singing, some dancing, lots of laughter, and love! ❤️

He loved to draw and read! I will forever treasure the drawings he gave me. And we both enjoyed books by James Patterson. But his favorite book was the Bible!

Uncle was a man of faith, and didn’t mind sharing his love of God and God’s love for each of us! Rest in peace Uncle, until we meet again! ❤️

Tamala Anderson

July 29, 2025

Oh Delbert you will be greatly missed! You were always up for a good laugh, a sing a long with me, your love and excited when talking about your kids, Bible conversstions with my hubby Frank about Jesus and Jesus’ gift of dying, being buried 3 days and rising again for all of those who believe in Him. Our luv of pork cracklins and a cold Mountain Dew ! Until we meet again my friend

Dawna (Fitzgerald ) Sbisa

July 29, 2025

Your life and legacy lives on through your beautiful children and family!!! May you rest in power and peace...
THE SCOTT FAMILY

Annetria Scott

July 29, 2025

RIP 🙏 brother in law 🌺🌹🌺

Rubertha Anyaeto

July 28, 2025

Remembering Uncle Debbie:

Uncle Debbie was the kind of person who lit up every room he walked into. With his fun-loving, joking attitude, he truly never met a stranger. His laugh was unforgettable—loud, genuine, and absolutely contagious. He loved to laugh, but even more, he loved making others laugh. That was just who he was.

I’ll always remember how much fun it was to be around him. Whether he was dancing around the room, cracking jokes, or drawing with that unmistakable focus and joy, he had a way of making every moment special. I think back to when he and Aunt Sandra used to babysit us—those were some of the best times. And of course, we all remember the "pipe" days. Classic Uncle Debbie.

He was a constant source of joy in my life, a positive, creative soul who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. If you knew Uncle Debbie, you loved him—and he loved you right back, without hesitation.

We’ll remember him for his laughter, his art, his dance moves, and most of all, for his boundless love.

Raina Martin

July 28, 2025

Cousin Debbie you were always in good spirits when I seen you I’m sorry I couldn’t make you that fried chicken that day that you wanted so badly but I just wanted you to know you were loved so get your rest cousin I will see you later

Jimie Marshonn Lee