Owen Lee Martin

Longtime El Dorado resident Owen Martin died Saturday, January 25, at the Wheat State Manor in Whitewater. He was 73 years of age.
Owen Lee Martin was born February 14, 1946 in Emporia, KS, the son of Clyde O. and Gail L. (McGhee) Martin. His early years were spent growing up in Madison and Ark City before his family settled in El Dorado. He attended was a graduate of El Dorado High School class of 1964. He went on to receive a degree from Butler County Community College in 1966.
He worked at Sears and with his father in the oil drilling business.
In January 1968 he enlisted and served his country in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in January 1970.
After he returned home from the service, he attended Wichita State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in drafting. He worked as a carpenter for various companies and then 10+ years in plastic mold design getting molds ready for plastic injection.
Owen was an avid reader of car magazines and National Geographic. He enjoyed going out to eat. A steak and a coke were his favorite, and most Thursdays were Prime Rib night. He was best known as a Hotrodder and going on Rod Runs. His cars and friends were his life. He was known as a “car guys, car guy”. If anyone ever needed help, Owen was there to help.
He was involved in the El Dorado Area Street Rods from 1973 to 1978 and a former member of the El Dorodders car group.
Preceding Owen in death were his parents and his sister Shannon Hyle.
Surviving family members are his siblings Susan Leigh of El Dorado, Virginia Allain and her husband Dennis of Florida, Cynthia Ross of Wichita, Karen Kalavalli of Lexington, KY as well as many nieces and nephews and very special friends.
There will be a celebration of Owen’s life on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the home of Brian Andrews at 4522 SW State Hwy. 254, El Dorado.
Friends may share condolences with the family online at www.carlsoncolonial.com

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