Kent Dru Martin, age 59, of Sioux City, IA, and formerly of Marcus, IA, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in Marcus, IA, surrounded by his family. Memorial services will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Grace Methodist Church in Marcus, IA. Pastor Travis Stevick and Lorna Leavitt will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, at Grace Methodist Church in Marcus, IA. There will be a 7:00 p.m. prayer service following visitation at the church. The Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Marcus, IA, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com.
Kent Dru Martin, son of Jerome and Barbara (Beeson) Martin, was born on April 3, 1964, in Sioux City, IA. He spent his childhood in Marcus, IA, graduating from Marcus High School in 1982. Kent continued his education for two years at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, IA and then finished his teaching degree at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. He taught briefly in Hinton, IA and then he taught at Trabuco Canyon Elementary located in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA from 1989 – 2005. Kent received his master’s degree in 1990 from the University of California Irvine.
In 2005, Kent started teaching at West High School in Sioux City, IA. He was a devoted biology teacher whose impact extended beyond the classroom. He was committed to showing up for his students, even as his health deteriorated. He was a positive role model who inspired and challenged his students. He was a mentor, and a friend to not only his students but colleagues. Kent had a passion for teaching which radiated through his work.
Beyond the classroom, Kent enjoyed attending classic car shows, decorating his house, watching Iowa State Basketball, baking cherry and apple pies, and eating fine cuisine. Kent loved anything outdoors. He was an animal lover and raised homing pigeons. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity while attending Iowa State University. He also enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and spending time with his beloved Schnauzer, Clark. Within his family and at school, Kent was referred to as “Superman” because of his strength and willingness to take on any project.
On February 2, 2024, Kent lost his five-year battle of cancer at home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Verda Beeson and Henry and Helen Martin.
Kent will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Jerome and Barb Martin of Marcus, IA; brother, Todd and Lurae Martin of rural Marcus, IA; nieces and nephews, Jamie (Jeremy) Stevens of Marcus, IA, Cole Martin of Littleton, CO, Garrett Beck of Castlerock, CO, Dylan Martin of Castlerock, CO, and Amanda Beck of Marcus, IA; other relatives, friends, and many former students.