Wanda Jean Martin, age 83, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Wanda Jean Erskin was born April 27, 1936 in Carthage, Missouri to the late Roy Erskin and Ruth May (Wilbur) Erskin. She was a member of the Carthage High School Class of 1954. Wanda married Donald Gene Martin on March 22, 1952 in Carthage; he preceded her in death on August 8, 2015. She ran a children’s daycare out of her home. Wanda was a member of the Freedom Life Church of God, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Survivors include one daughter, Marsha Bechler (Ed), De Soto, Missouri; three sons, Dennis Martin (Bert), Carthage, Danny Martin, Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and Keith Martin (Maggie), Carthage; three brothers, Richard Erskin (Dorothy), Roland Erskin (Carol), and Leonard Erskin; one sister, Judy Erskin; one sister-in-law, Cathy Erskin; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Jimmy Erskin, Roy Erskin, and Virgil Erskin; and one daughter-in-law, Mary Martin.
Visitation will be held 6-7 pm, Friday, June 21, 2019 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Knell Mortuary. Interment will follow the service at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to the First Assembly Church of God, De Soto, Missouri, in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
