Kevin Marten, 68, of Springfield, formerly of Farmersville, died on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 2 a.m. at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis,MO.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Mary Bryant Home, 2960 Stanton St., Springfield. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 11 a.m. at the supportive living home. Burial will be held at Rovey Cemetery in Farmersville. Hough Memorial Home in Farmersville is assisting the family.
Mr. Marten was born Feb. 16, 1954, in Springfield, to Verne and Helen (Overby) Marten.
Although blind, he was an amazing musician who was most known for playing the piano and organ; however, he played many brass instruments, too. He played for many weddings and funerals, and always enjoyed entertaining others at many social events. Before he moved to Springfield, he was the church organist and entertained crowds yearly at the Farmersville Irish Days.
After his move to the Mary Bryant Home in Springfield, Mr. Marten began to direct the Mary Bryant Home Singers. He would practice with them once a week and singers would travel to and perform for many nursing homes, church groups and different clubs.
Music was his life. Whether it was listening to music, adding to his record collection or entertaining, it was his joy.
Mr. Marten traveled to many Lions and Rotary Clubs throughout the state and enjoyed meeting others. He always joked around with everyone and had such a contagious laugh. He was an avid listener of WSMI and was able to keep up with news in Farmersville.
He attended church regularly and would even lead holiday concerts and Bible studies at the Mary Bryant Home. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his friends on his phone. He loved peppermint ice cream and fried chicken.
Mr. Marten is survived by his sister, Melissa (Kevin) Furness of Farmersville.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Mary Bryant Home Musical Department. Online condolences to the family may be left at www.houghfuneralhome.com.
