Joseph "Poppy" Henry Martin, Jr., 64, of Rush Hill, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 30, at Arnold Funeral Home, with Kevin Wilkerson officiating. Burial will follow at Salt River Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, at Arnold Funeral Home.

Joe was born on January 10, 1961, in Mexico, Missouri, the son of Joe Martin Sr. and Mary Dye Martin. On June 4, 1978, he married Sara Fox in Thompson. She survives at their home.

Known to many as "Poppy," Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—truly the heart of his family. Generous to a fault, he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His love language was food; whether you were family or a stranger, if you were hungry, he'd feed you. Holidays were always celebrated with large family meals, especially on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Poppy loved the outdoors. Fishing was a favorite pastime, and annual trips to Alabama became a cherished tradition. Even when mobility became a challenge this year, he was proud to catch the most fish with help from Mike.

Joe lived a life full of resilience and determination. He faced cancer with strength, undergoing dialysis three times a week, yet never losing his zest for life. He loved hunting, selling produce—especially during watermelon season—and time on the boat whenever he could afford it. He held a deep respect and fondness for his Amish friends, whom he considered a second family.

He and Sara shared a life of travel, journeying from Missouri to Rhode Island and many places in between. But more than anything, Poppy's greatest joy came from his family, whom he loved fiercely.

Joe had a curious and enterprising spirit—always looking for the next adventure or deal. He was an avid fox hunter for many years, a regular at auctions (often returning with a truckload whether he needed it or not), and could sit for hours scrapping copper out of motors. "I'll make money off that," he'd often say with a grin. He was on the road from morning to night, always in motion, always living.

He also found great joy in the rodeo world, supporting his grandchildren Alex "Maytor" and Austin "Tyke" as they competed. He and Sara proudly traveled many miles to cheer them on. Earlier in life, Joe loved demolition derbies—building the cars himself and passing that passion on to his sons. He was their loudest cheerleader at the track and even served as an official, which he enjoyed because, above all, Joe loved people.

He lived a full, spirited life, and he made it fun every step of the way.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Sara Martin of Rush Hill; his children, Joseph "Joe Henry" Martin III (Sarah) of Rush Hill, Michael "Mikey Paul" Martin (Bonnie) of Mexico, and Tabatha "Tubby" Isgrig (Mark) of Auxvasse; grandchildren, Emily Isgrig (Jon Donze), Mark "Bubba" Isgrig (Kelsie), Breanna Martin (Landon Hiat), Tiffany Martin (Shadyn Kleinsorge), Austin Martin (Cadie Bryson), and Alex Martin; and great-grandchildren, Stetson Tate McDonald, Oakley Isgrig, Maverick Donze, and Brooks Hiat.

Also surviving are his father, Joe Martin Sr. of Mexico; brothers, Marion Hooten (Debbie) of Mexico, Garland Dye (Cathy) of Texas, Billy Martin (Tracy) of Lake of the Ozarks, and Terry Martin (Pat) of Mexico; sisters, Patty Martin of Mexico and Nettie Davis (Jeff) of Arizona; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Dye Martin, granddaughter, Samantha Martin, and his sister, Sherry Hutson.

Memorial donations may be made to Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.