It is with love and celebration that we announce the transition of Arnold Lee Martin, who left this world peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 7, 2025, at the age of 84. Arnold was born on September 27, 1941, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas to Lester and Helen Martin. He was a proud graduate of Northeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri; a longtime employee of Associated Grocers in Kansas City, Kansas; and a dedicated Teamsters Union brother. He was known for his strength, quiet generosity, and the unwavering care he showed to everyone around him.

Arnold had a true gift for making each of us feel special, loved, and capable of achieving our dreams simply by encouraging us to be ourselves. He lived a life devoted to his family, his faith, and his community. He never met a stranger, always finding a way to connect deeply with those he encountered. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing a story, delivering Meals on Wheels, donating time with his Church, or savoring life's simple moments, Arnold moved through the world with intention, kindness, and an open heart. He sought connection—with people, with nature, and with the beauty around him.

He will be forever remembered for his warmth, his wisdom, and the rare combination of strength and tenderness he carried so gracefully.

Arnold is survived by those who continue to carry on his legacy, including his junior high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Yvonne (Gamm) Martin of Lawson, Missouri; his devoted daughter Michelle Alter of Rayville, Missouri, and her husband (Gary) Wayne Alter; grandson Justin Lee Alter of Lawson, Missouri, and his wife Shannon, and their daughters McKenzie and Madison; grandson Jacob Andrew Alter of Lawson, Missouri, and his wife Bridgette, and their daughters Jolene and Eileen. Arnold is also survived by his son Lester Lee Martin of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and dedicated partner Gary Crays, along with dedicated sibling Barbara (Paxton) DiBlasi and her husband Ron, along with their sons Paxton, Colston, Weston, and Greyston;

He will be missed by his surviving siblings and their families including Charlene and Robert Tipton; Joyce and Robert Cooley; Dan and Linda Martin; and their dedicated sister Rhoda Vanassy. Extended family also includes, but is not limited to, Katherine June Hastings, Raymond Hastings, and Raynerd Hasting, all of Oklahoma. He is greeted in heaven by cherished loved ones who passed before him.

Though he may no longer walk beside us in body, Arnold remains with us in spirit—our guiding influence of love, strength, and character. His legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering devotion to those he cherished, whether by blood or by heart.

"When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men." —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

He was a great man!

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com