Herschel A. Martin, 85, Scottsbluff

Herschel A. Martin, 85, of Scottsbluff, passed from this life at his home on June 6, 2012, following a fifteen month illness.
His memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, 2012, at First Baptist Church, 3009 Avenue I, Scottsbluff with Pastors Gary Cole and James Rowe officiating. Inurnment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff with military honors provided by the Nebraska Army National Guard.

Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, American Lung Association, or the donor's choice. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services in Scottsbluff is in charge of arrangements.

Herschel was born October 31, 1926, to Aubrey and Opal (Cason) Martin in Kirksville, Missouri where he graduated from high school in 1944. He attended one semester of college before entering the 15th Army Air Corp division and serving stateside. Upon discharge he re-entered Northeast Missouri College, now Truman University in Kirksville, Missouri and graduated in 1950 with a BS in Business Administration.
While attending college he worked part time at JC Penney's, being named Assistant Manager upon graduation, which began a 38 year career with the Penney Company. In 1956, he transferred to Quincy, Illinois as a department manager, eventually managing three of four floors.
In 1960, he was promoted as Assistant Manager to open the new Westgate Mall store in Madison, Wisconsin. A 1963 move to Redwood Falls, Minnesota promoted him to store manager. In 1967, he was transferred to Streator, Illinois as manager. From 1947 to 1986 he managed the downtown Scottsbluff store until his retirement.
During his career, he was active in Jaycees, the retail division of the Chamber of Commerce and a member of Rotary International in the three cities where he was store manager. He was involved with various civic groups in each city as well.
In 1948, he married June Carol Young, while both were attending college. The couple welcomed three children, JL Martin, Joni Perlinger (Stan) of Scottsbluff and Sheri Nau of Gering; five grandchildren, Brandon Nau of Ulysses, KS, Ashley Nau of Gering, Joshua, Zachary, and Mackenzie Perlinger of Scottsbluff.
Herschel enjoyed the outdoors, his riding horse, hunting, fishing, golf, motorcycling, snowmobiling, and RVing. He was known for his love of playing jokes, enjoying time spent with family, friends, and traveling.

A member of First Baptist Church he served as trustee, deacon and Sunday school teacher in churches where they lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Ron and Wayne.

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