Bruce Odell Martin, Jr.

Bruce Odell Martin, Jr. was born November 6, 1942 in Dyess, AR to Bruce Odell Martin, Sr. and Willodene Ferguson. He died suddenly on Friday, September 18, 2015 at Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti at the age of 72 years, 10 months and 12 days.

He was united in marriage October 3, 1959 in Lilbourn to the love of his life, Linda Sue Elliott. She preceded him in death October 22, 2014. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Willodene (Ferguson) and Bruce Odell Martin, Sr., two brothers, James Allen Martin and Bobby Martin, and one sister, Rose Mary Bowen.

A well respected and dedicated professional businessman in Portageville, he was owner and operator of Bruce Martin Construction Company, Portageville Enterprises, Agri-Systems of Cape and Jackson, and Martin Farms. He was very active in the community, serving on numerous boards, including First State Community Bank, Portageville Housing Authority, and Little River Drainage. He was instrumental in various projects in and around Portageville. He enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends.

He was the loving father of two daughters and son-in-laws, Terry and Greg Gowan and Misty and Paul Fout, all of Portageville; the loving grandfather and great-grandfather of three grandchildren, Chris (Katie) Bates, Cory Bates and Brayden Fout, and two great grandchildren, Fenley Beth Bates and Payton Alise Bates; and a loving friend to many other relatives, friends and co-workers.

Services were conducted Monday, September 21 2015 at DeLisle Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Eugene Poole officiating. Burial followed in the Portageville Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers were Jim Jones, Will Sharp, Larry Hill, Charlie Paige, Kevin Williams and Barry Hammack.

A scholarship in honor of Bruce Martin has been set up in lieu of flowers. Envelopes can be mailed to Bruce Martin, P.O. Box 326 Portageville, MO 63873

Please send condolences to the family online at www.delislefuneralhome.net