Max E. Martin, Sr.

Max E. Martin, Sr., 81, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2013.
Max was born August 24, 1932 in Rossville, KS, the son of Raymond Glenn and Flora A. (Failer) Martin. He was a 1950 graduate of Seaman High School. He served in the U.S. Army, the 437 Ordinance Ammunition Company, stationed in Lofer, Austria from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Martin was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber for 38 years, retiring on September 1, 1989, attaining the nickname "Double Barrel".
Max was active in Boy Scouts of America. He started his scouting career in 1962 and was active until his death. He served as Cub Master for his oldest son's Pack 608 and Scout Master of Troup 179. He followed both of his sons through their scouting careers. He supported many Scouts to obtain their Eagle Award. Max received the District Merit Award in 1994 and the Silver Beaver Award in 2004. He is mostly known for teaching wood carving and for whittling neckerchief slides that he would give over 300 to the scouts annually. Max was also instrumental in building the race tracks for the Pinewood Derbies. Max attended Camp Philmont for leadership training for several years. Max and Martha worked with the Girl Scouts of America supporting their daughters.
Max married Martha L. Crump on May 27, 1952 in Topeka, KS. She survives. Other survivors include four children, Max E. (Joann Walker) Martin, Jr., Mayetta, Tina K. (Keith) Heumann, Topeka, Darlene I. Martin, Wichita, KS and Raymond G. Martin, Topeka; 7 grandchildren, Julie Martin, Micheal Martin, Wayne Heumann, Phillip Heumann, Matthew Martin, Cody Martin and Toby Martin; 7 great-grandchildren, Brendan, Michael, Kala, Kira, Ireanna, Kaleb, Samantha and one expected; a sister, Betty Bock, Oceanside, CA; and a brother, Edward Martin, Littleton, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Raymond Eugene Martin, a grandson, Samuel Joseph Martin and a daughter-in-law, Georgia Martin.
Max touched many lives. His wife, Martha, was supportive of his hobbies and caring for others. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and adored being with his family especially his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and working with children of all ages to achieve their goals.
A graveside service with military honors conducted by Ft. Riley will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Max will lie in state after 3 p.m., Monday at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Jayhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1020 SE Monroe, Topeka, KS 66612. To leave a special message for Max's family, please visit the guestbook below button above.To leave a special message for Max's family, please visit the guestbook below button above.