Richard Dennis Martin

Richard D. Martin went home to be with the Lord November 9, 2021. A full obituary to follow.





Homegoing Celebration

Saturday, December 4, 2021

11am

Union Missionary Baptist Church

1200 McCormick St. - Des Moines, Iowa 50316

Richard Dennis Martin was born April 15, 1942, in Des Moines, IA to John Henry Martin and Mary Mae (Davis) Martin. Richard grew up in the holiness church (COGIC) and later rededicated his life to Christ at Union Baptist Church, where he served on the Trustee Board for several years.



Affectionately called by his middle name, Dennis married his forever love, Billie Janae (Watkins) Martin, on July 21, 1962. They were blessed with a son, Troy Germaine Martin Sr. and three daughters, Denise Janae (Martin) Parker, Patrice Lynn (Martin) Stephens, and Shontel Robinson and bonus children, George (Patricia) Tarry.



Dennis was educated in the Des Moines Public School system and attended East High School. Dennis was a hard worker in the grocery industry, retiring from Super Valu Grocery Distributors after 30 years of service. He was an exceptional carpenter and painter. There was nothing that Dennis could not fix or build. One of his most prized carpentry projects was the offering table he constructed for his beloved church, Union Baptist, which is still used today. In his spare time, Dennis was an avid fisherman. He loved fishing and planning his annual fish fries for family and friends.



Dennis conquered death when he was severely burned on his leg as a youth, a fall from a statue at the State Capitol as a youngster, and a cancer diagnosis at 49 years old. In recent years, Dennis was diagnosed with Alzheimer-Dementia. The family decided to move him and his wife, Billie, to Houston, TX, in 2018 to be closer to their daughters. The disease took a devastating toll on him, but he didnt want to go without a fight. If anyone knew Richard Dennis Martin, he didn't play, and he was a fighter. He fought with all he had, but God said, “No more fighting, son, your work here is finished.” Dennis received his wings and was called home on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, surrounded by his family.



Richard Dennis Martin was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Martin and Mary Mae (Davis) Martin and siblings, Paul Lawrence Martin, Jim Martin, Ruth Madison , Inez “Bubb” Randolph, Maxine Harvey, Geneva Hardin, Sonny Martin, Lewis “Cookie” Martin, Charles “Doodle” Martin, Vivian Martin, Glenda Barker, and Pearl “Butch” Johnson.



Richard Dennis Martin leaves to finish the work of our Father: wife Billie Martin of Pearland, TX; children, Troy Sr. (Deborah) Martin of Urbandale, IA, Denise Parker of Pearland, TX, Patrice (Roman) Stephens of Missouri City, TX, Shontel Robinson of Yuba City, CA, and George (Patricia) Tarry of Cypress, TX; his siblings, Virginia “Denny” Hammond, Archie “Punchie” Martin, and Patricia “Pat” (Ron) Lilly; a host of grand children, great -grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter.

*Masks are required for all attendees. Social Distancing will strongly be encouraged.



*This service will be made available via Facebook Live on the Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home's Facebook page (@hendersonsfuneralhome) on Saturday, December 4, 2021 beginning at 11am. Please "Like" or "Follow" our page for access.Visitation









Saturday, December 4, 2021

9:00 - 11:00am









Union Missionary Baptist Church

Homegoing Celebration









Saturday, December 4, 2021

Starts at 11:00am









Union Missionary Baptist Church