DJ Martin

Derrald John "DJ" Martin, 95, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Arbor Court. Open visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4th at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel from 12:00 - 7:00 p.m. According to his wishes, his casket will remain closed. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 5th at 10:30 a.m. at the Memorial Chapel. Interment with military rites will be held at the Forest Home Cemetery. Memorials have been established for Midwest Old Threshers and the Avenue of Flags Veteran's Memorial. Born February 19, 1919, in Jefferson County, IA, Derrald John was the son of Warren and Susanna (Crenshaw) Martin. He was raised in Mt. Pleasant, IA, and was a 1937 graduate of Mt. Pleasant Community High School. On January 6, 1942, he was united in marriage to Edna McLaughlin in Burlington, IA. She preceded him in death on November 28, 1999. "DJ" served in the United States Army from 1942 - 1946 during World War II. He continued his military service in the Iowa National Guard from 1948 - 1969, retiring having obtained the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1946, DJ was employed by the Continental Oil Company. That year he became a jobber and took over the bulk route of his uncle. In 1951, he became a jobber for Conoco. He built a service station on the corner of Washington and Cherry Streets in 1953, where the Pep Stop is now located. Derrald worked in the oil business for 33 years prior to his retirement. DJ was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge # 1192 in Fairfield since 1950. He was also a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post #2561 in Mt. Pleasant where he helped establish the Avenue of Flags. DJ loved working in his yard as well as being an antique car collector. Prior to his wife's passing, the Martins enjoyed spending their winters in Harlingen, TX. Surviving Mr. Martin are numerous nieces, nephews and friends, and a special companion, Patsy Neff. Preceding DJ in death were his parents; his wife, Edna; one brother, Herman Martin; and two sisters, Lucille Graber and Leona McKee.