Edward Martin Jr.

Edward Martin Jr.

Hiawatha

Edward Martin Jr., 80, of Hiawatha, Iowa, passed away at the UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday, June 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held at the Word of Faith Church, 2325 16th Ave., SW on Saturday, July 1, from 1 p.m. until service time at 3 p.m., with Pastor Patrick Beets officiating. Interment to follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery-Garden of the Last Supper.

Edward was born on March 6, 1943, in Itta Bena, Miss. He was the son of the late Edward and Alberta (Sherrod) Martin Sr. On Jan. 6, 1978, Edward married the love of his life, Stella Dixon, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Edward enjoyed fishing, playing bingo, poker and spending time with his entire family. His greatest joy in life was being a Papa.

Those left to cherish Edward’s memory is his wife, Stella of Hiawatha; his children, Robert Washington, Levi (Regina) Washington, Edward Martin III, Cynthia Martin, Arthur Dixon, Bob (Lisa) Dixon, Cora Dixon, Tonia Servin, Tony Martin and Edwina (Gordon) Esmoil; 26 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers, Neil Martin and Davis (Linnet) Martin; sisters, Ida Mae Martin, Agnes, Franki, Alberta Martin and Ella Hall; and his good friend, Bill Aossey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his children, Brendley Dixon and Rodney Epps; his sisters, Aria Martin and Ella Murphy; his brothers, Elbert Wilson, James and Andrew Martin, Alvin Cooks, Luther Dixon, Ben Mims and Eugene Murphy; and a sons-in-law, Saul Servin and Terry Aossey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at St. Luke’s Hospital for all the love and care shown to Edward while he was in their care.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.