'Ben' Edward Martin

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- "Ben" Edward Martin, 93, of Chaffee passed away at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2014, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 20, 1920, in Blomeyer, Missouri, to the late August "Gus" and Pauline Elizabeth Schwach Martin.

Ben was in the Army during World War II. He was a used-car dealer more than 50 years at Martin Sales Co. in Chaffee. Ben was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and St. Ambrose Men's Club. He was a longtime member of Chaffee Elks Lodge 1810 and was a past exalted ruler. Ben was in the Chaffee American Legion Post No. 389 and Chaffee VFW Post No. 3127.

He was married to Evelyn McCulley, and she preceded him in death. Two other women that were special to Ben were Mona Groves and Judy Cobb, with both women having important places in Ben's life.

Survivors include one son, Eddie (Liz) Martin of Scott City; one daughter, Debbie (Denny) Graviett of Chaffee; one sister, Amonell Welter of Jackson; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two great-stepgrandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by two infant sons, Clyde Albert and Christian Joseph; one brother, Bud; and one sister, Dora Dirnberger.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. today to Amick Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. followed at 7:30 p.m. by an Elks service.

Funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Chaffee, with the Rev. Randy Tochtrop officiating. Burial will be at Union Park Cemetery.