Kenneth Ray "Kenny" Martin

Kenneth “Kenny” Ray Martin was born on September 17, 1947, to Holmes and Mattie Martin in Ville Platte, Louisiana. He passed away Friday, June 27, 2025, at the age of 77. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Friendship Baptist Cemetery at 10:00 am.

Kenny worked for 20+ years as an orderly for Pinecrest School in Kingsville, Louisiana. Upon retiring from the state, he pastored Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bunkie. In 1997, Kenny ventured out once his mother passed away. He had been the caregiver for his mother and father until their passing. Kenny moved to Kentucky for a short season to be near to his brother, James. Then he moved to Round Lake, Illinois to live near his sister, Mavis. Kenny taught Sunday School and filled in for the pastor at Crossroad Community Church in Port Barrington, Illinois.

Kenny loved to hunt and fish. Of course, he had to keep everything that bit the hook for Grandma to be pleased. He was a man of strong faith in Jesus. He was one who studied the Word of God…always eager to learn more and grow spiritually. Kenny was a man of peace and one who looked for humor wherever he could in a situation. He was always one for a good joke or jolly laugh. Kenny was fun and spent his time investing in his nieces and nephews and some cousins, who benefitted from interacting with him. Kenny was the type of man that when you left his presence, you were better than when you arrived.

He is survived by his brother; James Martin, Rockholds, KY; his sister, Mavis A. Turner, Round Lake, IL; a host of nieces and nephews, Jimmy Martin; Larry J. Martin; Ricky Martin (Angie); Theresa ‘Terry’ Pappas (John); Jeff Pappas (Kathy); Betty Manuel (Lee); Jerry West (Kira); Eric West (Patricia); Kevin West (Anita); Cindy Turner. Kenny had 22 great nieces and nephews; 19 great greats; and 1 great-great-great niece.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, Holmes and mattie Martin; his sister, Shirley West; Vickie, his niece and, his nephew, Keith; his niece, Cheryl Martin; his great nephew, James West; his brother-in-law, Allen Turner; sisters-in-law, Darlene Martin, and Phyllis Martin.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eric West, Jerry West, Mark Nugent, Jody Franques, Ethan West and David West.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte invites family and friends to leave condolences at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.