FORT SMITH — Emmett C. Martin

passed peacefully from this life on Jan. 2, 2021, following a long illness. Born Feb. 17, 1930, in Branch, Ark., to Lee and Bon

nie Martin, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, June Turner Martin; daughter Tanya Martin of Fayetteville; sons Emmett Neal (Leslie) of Fayetteville and Ron (Kris) of Mountain Home; sister Renna Kelton of Fort Smith; grandchildren Nicholas Martin, Hunter Martin, Natalie Martin, Nicole Jeffries, Josh and Hannah Freeman; bonus daughter Anne Skinner; and great-grandchild Hazel Neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son Darrell Wayne Martin; step-son David Martin; sister Glenna Rogers; brother Kenneth; as well as previous wife Sara Martin.

He was a faithful member of St. Boniface Catholic Church where he served in numerous capacities, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He owned and operated American Heating and Air Conditioning Company for 30 years, and treasured the many contractors and customers he had during that time.

He loved people and loved to swap stories. He considered everyone he met a friend. Emmett touched many lives during his 90 years on this earth, and June always said his first loves were duck hunting and fishing, and she came in close second.

He was a loving father, husband and grandfather. He loved the outdoors, and was a founding member of the WestArk Wildlife Conservation Club. He had great disdain for hunters who killed over the legal limit, and was a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited.

His cheerful smile, friendly manner and laughing brown eyes will be missed by many friends and acquaintances. His Catholic faith was strong, and kept him going during his darkest days.

A memorial mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at St. Boniface Catholic Church with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church or the Salvation Army. To leave an online memory, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.