Larry Don Martens

Larry was born on July 22, 1936, in Fairview, Oklahoma, to Albert and Minnie Martens. This was a joyful surprise to his parents and older brothers. When Larry was born, his brothers were just 5 and 3½ years old. His arrival brought extra excitement when, after the delivery of his twin brother Jerry, the doctor exclaimed, “Minnie, there’s another one!” Five year old Don proclaimed to 3 year old Marvin as he pointed out the twins, “that one’s mine (pointing out Larry), and that one’s yours (pointing out Jerry).” Sure enough, that proclamation ran true throughout life.

Larry grew up in a close-knit home where Low German was the family’s first language. Saturday evenings were filled with music as Minnie gathered her four boys on the piano bench to sing in harmony before playfully wrestling them on the living room floor. His father, Albert, taught the boys the value of hard work—feeding chickens, milking cows, and plowing fields to plant wheat. Larry developed a deep love for music and began playing piano and organ under the guidance of his uncle, Roland Martens.

The twins Larry and Jerry attended Fairview High School together. During their junior and senior years of high school, Larry was employed as the school bus driver. In his senior year, he decided to play football for the first and only year. Larry and his twin brother Jerry both made the team and lined up side by side as right and left guards. Unfortunately Jerry was injured early in the season and was unable to continue playing. Larry went on to excel at football, earning a spot on the All-State Team as an outstanding player. This was a remarkable accomplishment for his single year on the field.

Larry went on to Tabor College, where he excelled in both academics and music, singing bass in the men’s octet. During his sophomore year, he met Kathleen Kliewer, the love of his life. They were engaged their senior year and married on July 25, 1958, in Reedley, California, celebrating 67 years of marriage this past summer.

At first, Larry envisioned a career as a music teacher. After their wedding, he earned a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Kansas and began teaching K–12 music in Orosi, California, in 1960. He sang in a men’s quartet called the Ambassadors. The Ambassadors quartet ministered extensively on the Mennonite Brethren radio show Words of the Gospel.

He also directed the choir and led worship for the Reedley MB church.

God had bigger plans for Larry, however. In 1967 Larry took a class at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, intending to strengthen his skills as a worship leader. Instead, this became a turning point that led him into pastoral ministry.

Larry and Kathleen’s family grew during the 1960’s. Their firstborn son, Michael, was born in 1960 but passed away three days later due to a congenital heart defect. This experience deeply shaped Larry’s compassion for grieving families. God later blessed them with three healthy children: Lorlyn, David, and Teresa. Raising a young family while Larry studied was challenging, teaching the whole family lessons in faith, frugality, and perseverance. During these years he continued singing and traveling with the Ambassadors Quartet. In 1970, Larry and Kathleen moved to Newton, Kansas, where he served as pastor at Koerner Heights Church. During his nine years there, Larry thrived as a shepherd and preacher, and the church grew under his leadership.

The Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary requested Larry to move back to California and train future leaders. The family had settled well into life in Kansas and he wasn’t sure that would be a good move. He really did not want to go back to school for three years; in Texas, of all places. Then Larry received a couple of books in the mail. One had a note in the front that encouraged him to do what the Lord desired. He knew his negative thoughts were not coming from the Lord, and he was most definitely hearing God nudge him towards California and the Seminary.

Larry returned to MB Biblical Seminary as a professor of church and family ministries. But first he took his family to Texas where he studied for three years. He completed a Ph.D. at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. The season in Texas was marked by intense study and sacrifice for the whole family. During this time, Larry returned to the Words of the Gospel Radio Show, serving as preacher for the show.

Larry served at MB Biblical Seminary for ten years, six of those as president. Following this season of academic leadership, he returned to full-time pastoral ministry in 1992, when he was called to North Fresno MB Church. He faithfully served there for twelve years before retiring in 2004. Even in retirement, Larry continued serving the church as a consultant with the Pacific District Conference of MB Churches, and in numerous intentional interim pastorates.

Larry’s life was defined by his deep love for family, faith, and music. He enjoyed photography, treasured times of worship, and cherished every moment spent with his family. His leadership extended beyond the local church, including serving as Board President of Fresno Pacific University.

Larry is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of Fresno; their three children: Lorlyn and Dwight Bartel, David and Lillian Martens, and Teresa and Brian McCreary; six grandchildren: Matt and Sarah Bartel, Ryan and Summer Martens, Kristen Martens, Shannon Martens, Caleb McCreary, and Joshua McCreary; and four great-grandchildren: Ruth Martens, Rowan Martens, Shay Martens, and Serenity Bartel. He was preceded in death by his eldest child, Michael Martens.

He is also survived by his brother Jerry Martens and sisters-in-law Joyce Martens and Jeanette Martens. He was preceded in death by his brothers Don and Marvin Martens, and his sister-in-law Carol Martens.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 11:00 on September 20 at North Fresno Church in Fresno, California. Memorial contributions may be made to Fresno Area Community Enterprises (FACE) in his honor.

Larry’s life was a testimony of faithfulness and love, marked by surprises from God and a deep commitment to building His Kingdom.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Master.” – Matthew 25:23