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Larry D. Martin
Larry D. Martin, 69, Lawrence, KS, died 9 March, 2013, Rochester, MN. He was born 8 Dec., 1943 in Bartlett, NE, the son of Orval and Nellie (Frye) Martin. Larry attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln where he earned his B.S. and Master's degrees. He earned his PhD from the University of Kansas and was Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the KU Natural History Museum and KU Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Larry's eclectic interests and adventuresome spirit set the stage for a life filled with collaborations in paleontology, as well as science fiction, linguistics, astrophysics, anthropology, and art, which included work with the dead language Linear A, solar mechanics, and science fiction as a source of scientific discovery.
As a child, he loved to collect natural objects and antiques, an avocation he continued throughout his life, resulting in a home reminiscent of the historical cabinets of curiosity. Larry was an excellent student, entering NU as a State Merit Scholar. As a young adult, he played high school football, was a college wrestler, and worked as a cowboy on a cattle ranch in NE. Paleontology moved him from the cattle ranch into the field, collecting fossils and conducting research. Eventually, his interests shifted from extinct mammals to avian paleontology, which in an ironic twist, led him to dinosaurs. This marked the beginning of his world travels, which he had dreamed of as a small boy as he listened to missionaries' stories. He spent his last decades fulfilling a lifelong curiosity about people and places through his research travels to Europe, South America, and Asia.
He often spoke of the importance of strong mentors and how they contributed to his later successes. For example, after learning that the young Larry had read everything in the town library (encyclopedias and dictionaries included), a local attorney made sure that he had plenty of reading material by sharing the journals to which he subscribed. One of Larry's favorite memories was of his dear friend Dr. Bertrand Schultz, Director of the NU State Museum, personally driving him to KU to get him settled in his PhD program. Being a mentor himself was a priority for Larry, and he took great pride in his students' and family's accomplishments.
He married Jean A. Bright in 1967, and they shared over 46 years of marriage. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two daughters, Amanda Martin Hamon and husband Troy Hamon, Lecompton, KS and Mary Martin Almsberger and husband Troy Almsberger, Olathe, KS; two sisters, Verna May Baldwin and Wanda Diesner, and husband Mike Diesner, all of Arizona and one brother Kenneth Martin, and wife Lillian Martin, of Nebraska; four grandchildren, Tory and Teagan Hamon, Jade and Kira Almsberger; and his two pugs Brutus and Fiona.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty Nell Moody and Gloria Pibel; and his pugs Pugsy and Munchkin.
Memorial gathering will be from 6:30-9 pm with a short program at 7 pm on Friday, 24 May at the University of KS Union Ballroom. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund is being established in Larry's name.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To the Martin family I am very sorry for your loss, growing up as a neighbor was an experience I still treasure to this day. Your husband and father was "Mr Martin" even when I met him later in life, I rember being scolding for killing a spider as a child and being taught that spiders were important part of nature. I remeber sitting with "Mr Martin" later in life and drinking 5-Alive talking about SiFi. He will be greatly missed. I offer my thoughts and prayers along with my respect "Mr Martin"..
Tony Blanck
May 29, 2013
Rita (Atkinson) Zentic
So shocked and saddened to hear of this news, Was a classmate for 12 years with Larry. Very unique person and will really be missed. So glad that we got to see him one more time at our 50 year class reunion. Rita
Zentic Rita
May 28, 2013
Larry, you are so greatly missed, and I am so sorry that you are no longer with your loving wife, family, Pugs, and all the wonderful friends and colleagues from all over the world; a few that Lambert and I have been fortunate to know.
I have known you since you and Jean Anne started dating, and you lived next door to us in Lincoln for a little while. I had the privilege of typing your masters dissertation, being your sister in law forever, enjoyed taking you to many antique shops when you stayed with us, you always found the best deal in the shops, all the fun, interesting, and educational stories you told, making you foods you enjoyed, going on fossil trips; especially the big one with Don Rasmussen in Wyoming and Montana and staying with Jerry and Don when they lived in Pine, CO.
I always looked forward to being with you and Jean at your home and sharing the different recipes you'd create and meeting and being with the most interesting people who were coming, going, or staying with you and Jean. I was honored to know your Mother, some of your sisters and have enjoyed so much, the company of your brother, Kenneth and his wife, Lillian.
I'm so glad you were in my life, and that our sons and your daughters grew up together and are great friends today.
I will also never forget your hearty laughter, especially when we watched Raising Arizona together many years ago. A lot of great memories, Love Sandy Bright
Sandy Bright
May 26, 2013
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Larry, both to ourselves and to paleontology, which his talents, energies and knowledge served well. I'm glad as an artist I could contribute to the sabertoothed cat book which he co-authored. With sincerest condolences to family and fellow colleagues, Mark Hallett, Mark Hallett Paleoart
May 25, 2013
For the Martin family...y'all are in my thoughts and prayers...so sorry for your loss...
Rob Kaser
May 25, 2013
We love you and have missed you these past years since we moved to Colorado. Our life has been enriched by the many adventures with Larry and the stories that we've treasured over the years. The world lost a bright treasure and we lost a great old fried.
Betty and John Stewart
May 24, 2013
Dr. Martin was an outstanding professor and mentor. I will always appreciate that he was willing to let me conduct an undergraduate independent study and to return as a grad student. I will miss his quick wit and amusing stories. I am so glad that I got to visit with him one last time last October on a visit back to Lawrence.
Robert Elder
May 24, 2013
We cannot come Friday evening, but will remember him at our Sabbath table. Deepest sympathies to his family, friends and students who will miss him always. May you be comforted by his life.
Sharyn and David Katzman
May 23, 2013
One of my most influential professors, THE most accessible professor, and a teacher to his core--always willing to share information on the topic we were interested in. He possessed a mountain of knowledge that he freely shared. I've lost a most generous mentor.
Carole Tomlinson
May 23, 2013
We are so sorry to have heard about Uncle Larry Passing .. We have had so many good times together and all those times hold very dear memories. Mom was so very proud of her little brother and she told many of his accomplishments. I can remember when she was in Omaha and she told her cancer Doctor about him. There was so much pride on face when she talked of him. I know he will be greatly missed. We love you all. I am sorry that we won't be able to join you on Friday but you will always be close to us in our hearts. Take care
Pam [Moody] Becker
May 23, 2013
I had long known Larry was a great story-teller, and I always enjoyed his talks and presentations. I had the wonderful opportunity to work on research with Larry over the last few years, and it was both great fun and greatly enlightening. Larry clearly enjoyed partaking in a good controversy. But at the same time, he never took professional arguments personally, they were all great fun and all in a day's work for him. He was so lively and cheerful and full of plans, it does not seem possible that he is no longer with us. I will miss him greatly, and I send my deepest condolences to his family.
Dave Alexander
May 23, 2013
Larry was a great professor. I vividly remember my classes from him. The world of educators has lost one of its true bright spots.
Vicky Millar DeKnight
May 23, 2013
Larry was a unique and fun individual, and an important part of the KU community. We will miss him.
Helen Alexander
May 23, 2013
Larry was a very special person. I feel lucky to have known him, and I will be ever grateful for the knowledge and friendship he passed along to Amanda. The world was a better place because of people like Larry. His knowledge and humor will live on through his students and anyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Kari and Merrill Falk
May 23, 2013
I regret that I will not be able to attend the service on Friday. I have many fond memories of Larry's and Jean's professional and personal friendships with my parents, Dr. Morton & Betty Green.
Julia Rombiugh
May 23, 2013
Good Friend - Great Travel Companion-
My personal tutor for 16 years and fellow Saber-cat enthusiast. I will miss you.
John Babiarz
May 23, 2013
I will long remember Larry's enthusiasm for his field and his sense of humor.
George Brenner
May 22, 2013
There was never another like Larry and there shall never be again. His brilliant mind, insatiable curiosity, and love for philosophical discussions will be missed by so many. His willingness to mentor any interested student, no matter how bright or how quirky, is inspirational. I am so grateful our paths crossed and I am so much better for having been influenced by this amazing person.
Beth Rinaldi
May 22, 2013
James Gunn
Larry will be missed by many, none more than his science-fiction friends.
May 22, 2013
We will miss him.
Adrian Melott
May 22, 2013
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