Lewis Gerald Martin

Lewis Gerald Martin, Jr., 52, of Marshalltown, died Sunday, August 19, at his home while in the loving care of his family and the Iowa River Hospice. Memorial services and a celebration of his life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 23, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the services. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Lewis and his family. Ph: 641-844-1234. Born on February 20, 1960, in Buffalo, New York, he was the son of Gerald and Rita Martin, Sr. He graduated from the Davenport (Iowa) High School in 1978 and soon began a passionate career with the Iron Workers Local #111 for 25 years. One of the most important roles he played in life was being a father-figure to many. He was a proud member of the Cayuga Indian Nation of New York. Every summer, Lewis enjoyed his family reunion at Crystal Lake in Canada. He treasured his family- especially the grandkids, and enjoyed playing Mafia Wars on Facebook, watching sports (Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabers and Boston Red Sox), his dog Sid Vicious and time with Bonnie. He and Bonnie (McDonald) were united in marriage on December 13, 2008, in Marshalltown. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonnie, six children: Shanda (Shawn) ODell of Marshalltown, Eric (Samantha) ODell of Shenandoah, Iowa, Michael Nordstrom of Minnesota, Chris (Kayla) McDonald of Marshalltown, Ryan (Jessica) Edwards of Marshalltown and Brittany (Trevor) Baker of Marshalltown, eight precious grandchildren: Mercedes, Lexus, Derek, Mariah, Spencer, Ashton, Aubrey, and Bentley; his sisters: Val (Tim) Sember of Buffalo and Peach (Kimmie) in Florida, as well as several nieces and nephews. In death, he rejoined his father Gerald Martin, mother Rita Franko and sister Lisa Franko.