Julious “Leon” Martin

Julious “Leon” Martin, 86, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, passed away at his home on September 6, 2026, with family in close attendance.

Born the youngest of seven children into the arms of Noel B. Martin, and Mary Catherine (Clark) Martin on September 11, 1939, in Calico Rock, Arkansas.

Leon’s first job at 3 years old was as a Cotton Picker alongside his family who made their living harvesting any and all ripe crops near and far. As a young man, he worked in the Rail Tie yard as a laborer – stacking and loading railroad ties into box cars. He was a man that lived close to the land and enjoyed cutting timber and fishing. In fact, fishing was a singular passion, and he spent many happy days along the creeks and rivers of Northeast Arkansas. Dogs were drawn to Leon, and though he wouldn’t admit to loving them, he did appreciate them and their companionship, and could be found sitting on his front porch with a dog by his side more often than not.

Leon took pride in his home; he kept the grounds and house in neat order. He spent more time outdoors than in, and the outdoors and simple pleasures of life were a meaningful part of who he was. He was a physically strong man and never shied away from hard work. In the cold months he took comfort in a roaring wood fire, fed by the wood he himself cut well into his 80s.

Leon is survived by his great nephew, Bill (Tywana) Martin Jr. and his children and grandchildren, his great nieces, Sally (Adolfo) Ann Arredondo, Deana (Aubrey) Stevens, Amy (Gene) Stevens, Sarah (Rodney) Reed, his eldest brother Earl E. Martin and his five children, Earl (Mary) D. Martin, Edward (Melinda) D. Martin, Alan B. Martin, Laura A. Martin-Rake, and Marlin (Rachel) M. Martin, countless cousins and kin spread throughout South and Midwest. He had a great friendship with his neighbor Joey Robinson, and his nephews Christopher Reed, and Benjamin Martin.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents Noel B. Martin and Mary Catherine Martin, and siblings Ruby Parmely, Lorene Martin, Velma Rogers, Leland Martin, and Vernon Martin, his nephew Bill Martin Sr. and nephew Michael Martin.

Leon will be remembered by his family, loved ones, and neighbors for his independent spirit, physical strength, love of the outdoors and fishing, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand. He was a fixture to our family and will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be on September 10, 2026, at 1:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. to be followed by a funeral service at 2:00p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, in Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Field Creek Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri