Ernest William Martel

Ernest William Martel, 91, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be private, in keeping with the family’s wishes.

Born in 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas, Ernie was one of four children of Alexander and Bonnie Martel. While serving in the United States Navy, he became “pen pals” with former high school classmate June Goode. After many months of exchanging letters, they realized they had fallen in love and were meant to be together. Ernie proposed to June on their first date following his discharge from the Navy, and they were married in 1955. They remained faithfully devoted to one another until June’s passing in October 2019.

Ernie enjoyed a long and successful career in grocery store management, operating several supermarkets in the Kansas City area. A devoted Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan, he cherished winter days spent cheering KU to victory. He also cared deeply about families facing food insecurity and, in his later years, founded a small food pantry in Platte County in honor of his late wife, June. Through his efforts, Ernie raised more than $15,000 in cash and food donations to support those in need.

In addition to his wife, June, Ernie was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Martel; his parents, Alexander and Bonnie Martel; his brothers, Alexander Martel, Bernard Martel, and John Martel; and his grandson, Jimmy Martel.

He is survived by his children: Ernie Bill (Gloria) Martel of Overland Park, KS; Kevin (Julie) Martel of Raytown, MO; Bonnie (Randy) Martel Kramer of Kansas City, MO; and Chris (Shannon) Martel of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, twenty‑three great‑grandchildren, and three great‑great‑grandchildren.

Ernie’s memory will live forever in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed to know him. The Martel family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of Tiffany Springs Senior Living, where Ernie spent the last several years of his life, for their exceptional care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ernie’s memory to St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5047 NW Gateway Ave., Riverside, MO 64150, designated for the “Little Food Pantry.”