Thomas J. Martens was born in Battle Creek, Iowa on June 9, 1933, to Thomas and June (Strawn) Martens. He married Mary Ellen Richards on March 7, 1964, in Clayton, Mo.

Survivors include his wife Mary Ellen Martens of Ozark, MO; two daughters, Marianne Ortiz (Glenn) of Lakewood, Co and Jana Ingle (Bob) of Wright City, MO; son, Richard (Mindy) of Nixa, MO; one sister, Mamie Joy of Sioux City, IA; five brothers, George (Pat) of Kirksville, MO, Pat (Donna) of Checotah, OK, Walter (Wanda) of Ozark, MO, Larry of Marshall, AR, Roger of Farmington, MO; one grandson, Adam (Rebecca) Ingle; five granddaughters, Avery and Emma Ingle, Ellie, Anna, and Audrey Martens; two great grandsons, Isaac Thomas and Cam Josiah Ingle.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Vera Pierick (Jim), one brother, Martin Martens (Barbara), one brother in-law Don Joy.

Tom was an Air Force Veteran. After serving his country, he went to college and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked for Central Illinois Public Service, in Illinois for 29 years.

During his years in the Air Force, he was fortunate to be introduced to the Lord by a lady in Rantoul, IL. Then he began many years serving the Lord in Southern Baptist Churches in Illinois and Missouri. Tom’s hobby was working. He went on mission trips to Nicaragua, 14 years. While living in a condo on Table Rock Lake, he did all the outside work for the entire building. It will be interesting to find out what he finds to do in Heaven!

A Celebration of Life will be held for Tom, on June 26, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at the Baptist Homes of the Ozarks, in the Goodwin Center. 1625 W Garton Rd, Ozark, MO 65721. With Pastor Bob Ingle.

Memorials can be made to Project H.O.P.E. at 1419 Enterprise Ave, Springfield, MO 65804.

Cremation under direction of Stumpff Funeral Home.