OSWEGO — Wendell Harley Martin, 64, of Oswego died at 2:10 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Aug. 7, 1946, in rural Labette County to Harley William and Mabel Arlene (Rife) Martin. He attended rural schools and graduated from Labette County High School in 1964. Wendell had completed his associate degree from Labette Community College.

On Feb. 8, 1966, he joined the U. S. Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on Feb. 29, 1968. This same day he began his almost 40-year career at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons. While at the plant Wendell was very active in his union serving many years as an officer at both the local and regional level. Wendell was also an avid outdoorsman and pursued this pastime in various ways. He loved to fish; he enjoyed raising his mules and coon dogs and was very active in the Coon Hunters Association, SEK Mounted Posse, Parsons Saddle Club and the Elks Lodge in Parsons.

On June 5, 1965, he married Joyce Jones. They had two girls, Amy and Lori. Joyce and Wendell were later divorced. Wendell married Evelina Wright in June 1995. They were also later divorced.

Survivors include his two daughters and their husbands, Amy and Doug Smith of Oswego and Lori and Robert Cook of Seneca, Mo.; three grandchildren, Megan Martin of Oswego, Taylor Cook and Alli Cook, both of Seneca; four sisters and their husbands, Janie and Larry Williams of Parsons, Rosann and Bill Chapman of Plattsmouth, Neb., Nancy and Doug Dickerson of Oswego and Robin and Greg Ruttgen of Welch, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Larry Spradling in 1995; and a niece, Carrie Williams in 1996.

Mr. Martin is to be cremated. A celebration of life service will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at Wendell's Mule Creek Ranch, 1693 13000 Road, Oswego.

The family suggests memorials to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter, P.O. Box 48, Parsons, 67357, or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 3106 Main Street, Parsons, 67357.

Derfelt Funeral Home of Oswego is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.murdockfuneralhomes.com.