Francis "Frank" Leo Martin, the son of Bernard and M. Mabel (Wempe) Martin, was born on February 20, 1932 on a farm near Seneca, Kansas. He passed away on July 23, 2010 in Superior at the age of 78 years.

     He attended his school years in Seneca, Kansas where he enjoyed playing football and graduating with the class of 1949. He served his country by being a part of the United State Army, being inducted on January 26, 1951 and honorably discharged on December 23, 1953, serving a portion of his term in Germany.

     On August 3, 1958 he was united in marriage to Esther Wissing at the rural Bethel Church at Abdal, Nebraska. To this union was born two daughters, Cynthia and Catherine. Frank worked with road equipment as he was growing up having learned from his father. He settled in Lincoln, Nebraska after returning from the service, working for the Park Department in Lincoln and managing a parking lot there. In 1960 he purchased heavy equipment and was self employed in soil conservation work. In 1963 the family moved to Bostwick, Nebraska to help Esther’s mother due to the sudden death of her father. He was employed by the Nuckolls County Road Department and took much pride in keeping the county roads in top condition. Frank worked on the construction of the Brodstone Memorial Hospital also.

     He was a member of the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church serving on the church board, was a volunteer for the Nuckolls County Museum, the Alban 4-H Club, and was the original organizer of the Bostwick Card Party started in 1970. His sweetest job was caring for his apiary, working with 50 hives of bees. Gardening was a hobby that he truly enjoyed as he was always sharing the produce that he grew and people couldn’t wait for his cantaloupe. He was always willing to help out family and friends with any projects that needed completed. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, babysitting whenever the need arose.

     Frank was preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother and one sister, Sonja Martin.

     He is survived by his wife Esther of Bostwick, Nebraska, two daughters, Cindy Bates and husband Tim and Cathy Martin all of Superior, Nebraska. Four grandchildren, Nicole Ruge and husband Brian, Alicea Gentry and husband Bryan, Michael Bates and fiancee Gail, Andrew Bates and wife Chandra. Five great-grandchildren, Cody Mohler, Kaylee Mohler, Emmett Gentry, Caleb Bates and Keirra Bates. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Richard Martin and wife Dorothy of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Charles Martin and wife Mary Lou of Lincoln, Nebraska, Lula Recker of Nine Mile Falls, Washington, Laura Arnt and husband Robert of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mary Kalcik of Lincoln, Nebraska, Josephine Tyrrell and husband Richard of Waverly, Nebraska, James Martin and wife Kathy of Bennet, Nebraska and Barbara Hotaling and husband Eldon of Box Elder, South Dakota, along with a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Funeral services with full military rites were held on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 2:00 PM from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home Chapel in Superior, Nebraska with Irvin Schleufer PMA & Missie Wilt officiating. Music was congregational hymns, "Beautiful Savior" and "Precious Lord Take My Hand". A special recording of "The Lord's Prayer" was played. Carlita Erickson as organist.

Pallbearers were Robb Jones, Jeff Hutchinson, Jim Fuller, Gary Wissing, James Martin, and Henry Kramp.

Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers memorials may go in care of the families choice.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 282, Superior, NE 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.