Edward Anthony Martin, known to his loved ones as Ed, passed away on January 21, 2024, at the age of 66 in Lee's Summit, Missouri.  Born on February 25, 1957, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Ed was the son of Alfred "Levi" Martin and the late Beverly Hansen Martin.

 Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Kendra (Lippert) Martin, and their daughters, Christina "Kiri" Martin and Rebekah "Becky" Martin, all of Raytown, Missouri. He is also survived by his father, Levi Martin, of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as his sisters, Nancy Bieberdorf of Smithville, TN, and Julie Pezdirtz (James) of Elbert, CO; Sister-in-law, Janet Neumann; Brother-in-Law, James (Patrice) Lippert; Sister-in-law, Donna (Paul) Carr; 6   nephews, 4 nieces, as well as great nieces and nephews, and in-laws; also, his cats, Henry and Essy.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly, and mother-in-law, Winnifred Lippert in 2004, and his father-in-law, Jackob Lippert in 1986.

In his educational journey, Ed attended Underwood High School and later pursued higher education at Iowa Western Community College, as well as Hamilton College.

Throughout his career, Ed made significant contributions in the field of technology. He worked as a computer programmer for the entirety of the 1990s and part of the 2000s. In 2005, he transitioned his career to become a School Bus driver for the Council Bluffs Community School District. When Ed and his family relocated to the Kansas City area in 2018, he continued his dedication to education by transferring to the Raytown Community School District.

Ed found solace and strength through his faith. He worshiped at East Side Christian Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and later at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Belton, Missouri, where he found a supportive community. He was passionate about the truth of the Bible, and in his spare time researched prophecies of the End Times. He often talked about wanting to travel to Israel to walk where Jesus walked. The closest he ever got was on a family trip to The Holy Land Experience outside Orlando, Florida in 2004, as well as the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Kentucky first in 2020, and again in 2023.

In his leisure time, Ed pursued various hobbies that brought him joy. He had a passion for music and played several instruments, including the piano and organ. Ed's love for music extended to his involvement in the River City Theatre Organ Society, singing and playing the organ at church, as well as singing and running the sound board for the Celebration of Life Choir, of which he was a founding member back in 1974, and he also was on the board for a time. He was also an avid movie fan and had an extensive collection of laser discs. Ed's adventurous spirit led him and his wife, Kendra, and their daughters on many memorable road trips and cruises, creating cherished memories together. Their last journey together was to Colorado in June 2023 to visit his father and younger sister.

Ed will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy as a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated professional will be remembered with great fondness.

There will be two services for friends and family to remember Ed.

On Thursday February 8, 2024 at 11 AM at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 515 Markey Pkwy Belton, Mo 64012

On Saturday February 10, 2024 at 11 AM at East Side Christian Church, 331 Bennett Ave W Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503

Memorials can be sent to KC Pet Project at www.KCpetproject.org/donate or to Answers in Genesis at https://answersingenesis.org/donate/