Stan Martin, 88, of Mitchell, NE passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Stan, affectionately known as “Stan the Man”, was known for his infectious smile and generous spirit which was admired by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.
Stan was born on October 1, 1935, in Bridgeport, NE to Hazel and Harold Martin. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Alliance, NE where he graduated from Alliance High School in 1954. Upon graduating, Stan went to Chadron State College where he received a basketball scholarship and started his teaching degree. While at CSC, Stan was recruited by the NY Yankees where he played 1st base with the Yankee’s farm team. While there, he earned the nickname “Stretch Martin” for his famous split maneuver while catching the ball and/or tagging players out. During Stan’s first year of baseball, in Tennessee, he met Judy Hill whom he married and divorced a few years later. Together, they had a son named Michael “Mike” Martin. In 1957, Stan was drafted into the U.S. Army where he continued to play baseball until 1959. Stan returned from the Army in 1959 and ended up playing for the Yankees until 1962.
While still playing baseball, Stan married Carolyn “Kelly” Davis. They were married for 50+ years. Eventually, Stan returned to Chadron State College and completed his teaching degree. Together, they had 3 girls, Rhonda Dextras, Debi Kessler, and Jami Chaon.
After his college graduation, Stan and his family moved to Tecumseh, NE to begin his career teaching physical education, driver’s education, and coaching boys’ basketball at Tecumseh High School. The Martin family later moved to Mitchell, NE where Stan taught the same topics and coached boy’s and girls’ basketball for Mitchell High Schools. During the summer months when he wasn’t teaching, Stan coached legion baseball, painted houses and helped his wife Kelly run the city swimming pool. Upon retiring from the school system, Stan was employed at the driver’s motor vehicle department for Scotts Bluff County where he conducted driver’s tests.
A testament to his athletic history, Stan was entered into the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame in November of 2021.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Harold Martin; his wife, Kelly; his brother, Dale; and his son, Mike.
Survivors include brother Gene (Fran) Martin; daughters Rhonda (John) Dextras, Debi Kessler, and Jami (Dion) Chaon; grandkids Zak Martin, Ty Hageman, Janessa Martin, Hannah Chaon, Rhys Dextras, Hunter Chaon, and Rylee Dextras; and great grandkids Kai Hageman and Estella Martin.
Some of his favorite hobbies included baseball, basketball, golfing, carving, and fishing.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Federal Church, 1451 Center Ave., Mitchell, NE 69357.
To Stan we say farewell for now, but we will never forget the joy and kindness he brought into our lives. May he rest in peace, and may we continue to honor his memory by living our lives to the fullest. Thank you for loving our Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother and Uncle.