Herschel Charles Martin was born on February 3, 1922 in rural Kingman County, near Zenda, Kansas, the son of Herbert and Hazel (McDaniel) Martin.  He graduated from Sharon High School.

Inducted in the United States Army on August 3, 1945, Herschel served his country in WWII in the 17th Infantry.  He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal and was honorably discharged on January 19, 1947 with the rank of Private First Class.  Returning home, Herschel was a farmer/rancher most of his life.  He also worked at Cessna Aircraft in Wichita for 20 years.

On May 18, 1949, Hershel married Irene Meng at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sharon, Kansas.  The couple moved to Harper from Elk County Kansas in 1995 to retire.  Herschel was a member of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church of Harper County, VFW Post 11449, and American Legion Jeff Long Post 104.

Herschel passed away at his home on May 20, 2023 at the age of 101 years old with his wife by his side.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Maurice Martin, Melvin Martin, and Lois Guenther.  Herschel is survived by his wife, Irene of the home; brother, Vincent Martin and his wife, Marie of Augusta, Kansas; sister, Phyllis Martin of Attica, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Recitation of the Rosary is 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023 and Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 25, 2023, both at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Harper, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community with Father Bob Pinninti officiating.  Burial follows at the Attica Cemetery with Military Honors.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital,  VFW Post 11449, American Legion Post 104, or St. Patrick's Catholic Church and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058