Bernard “B.K.” Martin, 88, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at his home where he wanted to be with his loving family by his side. A celebration of B.K.’s life will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 1 – 3 pm, with a luncheon and time of fellowship to follow. Military honors will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 11 am at Davenport Memorial Park. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at Weerts Funeral Home at 10:30 am.
B.K. was born on October 27, 1935, in Illinois City, IL the third son of Charles Maynard and Josephine Alvina (Danner) Martin. He attended elementary school in Illinois City and went to high school in Taylor Ridge. Following high school, he worked for the Village of Milan Public Works Department. B.K. joined the US Army on November 9, 1954, with his buddy Kenny Gastel. He served in the European Theater during the Korean Conflict; he was honorably discharged on November 8, 1957. Shortly after being discharged, he met Phyllis Mae Petkunas at the Muscatine Roller Skating Rink. They later married on November 7, 1958, at the First Methodist Church in Muscatine. Their marriage was later blessed at St. Pius Catholic Church in Rock Island. He was a truck driver for Motor Cargo, Consolidated Freightways, and Dohrn Transfer. From 1981 - 2002, he owned and operated B.K. Martin Trucking, Rock Island. He was a hard worker and well-liked by everyone that he worked with. He had a wonderful sense of humor. B.K. loved his family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed following NASCAR racing, working on cars, displaying H.O. trains, gardening, traveling, and helping others. B.K. was a proud American and a big supporter of the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.).
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Phyllis; daughter Judith Ann (Donald Lantz) Ewing; grandchildren Jessica Wasson (Greg Dusch), Jennifer (Joseph) Hallas, and Justin (KayCee) Ewing; six great-grandchildren Autumn Hallas, Hailee Wasson, Joseph Anthony Hallas, Brennen Kevin Hallas “B.K.”, Olivia Hallas, and Morgan “KayKay” Ewing; his brothers Charles (Opal) Martin and Merrill Martin; and his three male cats; Snowball, Bandit, and Cheddar.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a great-granddaughter Catherine Mae Hallas.
Online condolences may be expressed to the Martin family by visiting B.K.s obituary at www.WeertsFH.com.
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