Martin James O’Toole, age 70, passed away from pancreatic cancer on Monday, March 4, 2024, with his wife and extended family by his side.
Martin was born on October 20, 1953, in St. Louis, MO. to Marietta and James O’Toole. He was the oldest of five siblings, and grew up in Springfield, MO. He graduated from Central High School in 1972 and then from Southwest Missouri State University in 1976. He married Joy Brown on July 16, 1977. They moved to Joplin, MO, where they raised their two daughters, Annie and Kelly.
Martin was a product engineer with Ace, Electric of Columbus, Kansas from 1978 to 2006 and with VSSI of Carthage, MO. from 2006 until 2017 at which time he retired. He was co-owner of Key Ignition Components from 2006 until 2012. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher and volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Martin had a green thumb and valued having a fresh cut lawn which he decorated with potted plants, statues, a fountain, and a custom designed patio which he built. He was a coffee connoisseur. You could find him most days at his favorite hangout, Joplin Greenhouse and Coffee Shop. He also enjoyed cooking and watching basketball. He was a loving and loyal husband, father, and grandfather, and devoted much of his time to caring for his family. He and Joy also enjoyed visiting presidential libraries as well as other museums.
Martin was preceded in death by his mother Marietta O’Toole, father James O’Toole, brother Danny O’Toole, and sister, Ellen Binder. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joy, his daughters Kelly Langham (Josh), of Centerton, AR., Annie Yost (Jason), grandson, Kellen Yost, and granddaughter, Caroline Yost, of Joplin, MO., his brother, Larry O’Toole (Margie) of Springfield, MO., and sister, Barbara Dopuch (Dan) of St. Louis, MO. as well as extended family members and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 5 until 8 PM and Funeral Mass will be Friday, March 22, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church 3035 S. Central City Rd., Joplin, MO. Private interment will be at Ozark Memorial Park at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Martin‘s name to Hope Lodge, 1120 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO. 64105 or online at Cancer.org/HopeLodgeKansasCityDonate, or St. Vincent De Paul Society of Joplin, MO., 512 E. 32nd St., #108, Joplin, MO. 64804.
7 Responses
Martin was a happy, bright light in our family. We will miss his presence, but treasure the memories. May God bless Joy and his precious family with memories of the good times, and may he rest in peace with Marietta and his family in heaven. ☘️
Martin was a wonderful, kind and helpful neighbor. He will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Joy and family. You were there to comfort and care for Marty though his difficult journey with cancer. May you find peace that he is in a better place free of pain and watching over each of you.
Sending lots of hugs!❤️
To my husband. Thank you, Marty for 46 years of laughter, learning, and love. I miss your wisecracking demeanor, the way you always told me to “be careful” every time I left the house, Sunday morning coffee, and our many adventures. Through the tough times and the happy times, I will carry the memory of you.
My prayers are with you and your family, Joy.
Please accept my condolences upon Marty’s passing. My prayers go out to your family. (I am a former St. Mary’s parishoner).
I will miss Marty at our Sorority functions. He was so interesting and funny! I will never forget him always sharing his olives (from his martinis) with me! Much love and prayers for you Joy, Annie and Kelly.
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