Gerry Onelia Marteen was the fourth of eight children born to the union of George “Gene” Eugene Marteen and Addie Mae Graves Marteen on August 13, 1955 in Montgomery City. Gerry graduated from Montgomery County R-II High School in 1973. In 1975, he joined the United States Navy, where he was enlisted for over a year before being honorably discharged.
Gerry met Clair Annie Johnson. They were married on June 15, 1988. From this union, five children were born.
Gerry worked as a pharmacy technician at the VA Hospital for 25 years.
In his younger years, Gerry was a phenomenal basketball player, earning much praise for his talents and taking the Montgomery County R-II High School team to its only state championship in 1972. Gerry loved spending quality time with his family and playing spades and bid whist. He also loved playing bingo and won many pool tournaments.
Gerry was proud to receive his associate degree from Columbia College, where he graduated with honors.
Gerry is survived by his loving wife, Clair Annie Marteen of Columbia; five children: Regis Bradford, Pamella (Robert Jordan) Marteen, Jamale Marteen, Chandelle Marteen, and Christopher Marteen, all of Columbia; 26 grandchildren; siblings: Carolyn Marteen and Lissa Marteen both of St. Louis, Anthony Marteen (Mary) of Baton Rouge, La., Stephen Marteen (Sheron) of Detroit, Mich., and Eric Marteen of Chicago, Ill.; one aunt, Marie Bonds of St. Louis, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Gerry is preceded in death by his parents, George Eugene Marteen and Addie Mae Graves Marteen; his son, Gerry Demetrick Marteen; and two brothers: George Wesley Marteen and Marvin Wayne Marteen.
Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on July 23, followed by the funeral service at noon at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City.
Memorial contributions can be sent to the Veterans Administration Hospital, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO 63361.
Condolences may be made to www.schlankerfuneralhome.com.
