Obituary of Paul Jeffrey Martin

A Celebration of Life for Paul Jeffrey Martin of Wentzville, MO will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at The First Baptist Church of Troy in Troy, MO. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and the Celebration of Life will begin at 4:30 p.m. A private service and burial was held on Sunday, October 30, 2016 for the family. Paul was welcomed into this world on July 11, 1988 in St. Charles, MO by his loving parents, Jeffrey Dean and Pamela Elizabeth Dixon Martin. He was a 2007 graduate of Clopton High School. Paul was united in marriage on June 12, 2010 in Winfield, MO to the love of his life, Kaylah Jo Ryan. This loving marriage was blessed with one son, Elias James on December 15, 2014 and one daughter, Jubilee Mae, due on January 25, 2017. Paul was a devoted and loving father who was excited to share the world with his children. He often talked about all he would teach them and when he found out a daughter would soon be born, he was thrilled. Paul loved being a husband and father and did not take that task lightly. Paul graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Hannibal LaGrange University in Hannibal, MO in 2011. He then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Archaeology and Biblical Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX in 2015. He completed four archaeological digs as part of the Kourion Urban Space Project in Cyprus. He was the lab supervisor of the project which allowed him to handle each piece of pottery that was excavated. This may sound tiresome to many, but to Paul it was fascinating and he reveled in his work. These trips to Cyprus and the friends he made there were often topics of discussion to his family. It was a very special time in his life. Paul was an aspiring professor. He loved to study and share his knowledge with anyone who would listen. His time teaching was counted as one of his favorite experiences, and he was working towards the day when he could return to the classroom. Paul’s love of learning began in childhood and never ceased. He was a gifted musician and writer. Having never had formal lessons, Paul could play any instrument he touched. Paul became a Believer of Christ as a child and his love of the Lord was the compass for his life. He spent countless hours studying to know Him more and willingly shared his faith with others with the life he led. Paul passed away Thursday morning, October 27, 2016 at SSM DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, MO. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jacqueline Martin. His grandfather, Darrell Martin passed away the morning following Paul’s passing, on October 28, 2016. Survivors include his beloved wife of 6 years, Kaylah Jo Martin of Wentzville; their son, Elias James and their daughter, Jubilee Mae, to be born in January 2017; his loving parents, Jeff and Pamela Martin of Eolia, MO; and his maternal grandparents, Jim and Fran Dixon, also of Eolia. Paul also leaves his brother and best friend, Samuel R. Martin and his wife, Lindsey, of St. Charles, MO; his in-laws, Rev. Mike and Karen Ryan of Winfield, MO; brother-in-law, Jonathan Ryan and his wife, Kimberley; nephew, Hudson and niece, Onessa of Ferguson, MO; sister-in-law, KayCee Ryan of Winfield; other relatives and many, many friends. Memorials may be made to the Paul Jeffrey Martin Benefit Fund at People’s Bank and Trust, with locations in Troy, Troy Square, Hawk Point, Winfield, O’Fallon, Elsberry and Bowling Green, MO. Checks may be made payable to Kaylah Jo Martin and will be accepted at any PB&T location for the Paul Martin Benefit. For questions about ways to give, call any bank branch or go online at www.pbtc.net. Gifts may also be sent to First Baptist Church of Winfield; PO Box 105; Winfield, MO 63389 or in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 3838 East Highway 47, P.O. Box 253, Winfield, MO 63389. Donations will be taken to PB&T and deposited into the benefit account.