Deacon Turf D. Martin

Deacon Turf D. Martin, 71, of Sedalia, fortified by the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, surrounded by the love of his wife and daughter. A devoted servant of the Church and faithful follower of Christ, he dedicated his life to prayer, ministry, and service to God and to others.

He was born on July 6, 1954, in New Orleans, the beloved son of Jack Thomas Martin and Hieda Naomi (Hubbs) Martin.

On May 31, 1975, at Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in St. Louis, he was united in Holy Matrimony to JoAnn Fleischmann, his beloved wife of fifty years.

Turf was a 1972 graduate of Blue Springs High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He spent several years working in pharmaceutical marketing before establishing and operating Wine and More in Sedalia.

Answering a deeper call to serve the Lord and His people, he devoted the last thirteen years to ordained ministry as a Deacon at St. Vincent de Paul Parish. There, he faithfully proclaimed the Gospel, assisted at Mass, and ministered to the needs of his fellow man. His life in these years was centered on Christ and His Church. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and received a Benemerenti Medal bestowed by Pope Francis for long, meritorious, and exceptional service to the Church

A man of generous heart and civic spirit, Turf was active in the community, serving as president of the board of CASA, president of the Liberty Center Association for the Arts board, as a member of the Sedalia Housing Authority Board, and in outreach to those in need through the local warming shelter.

He enjoyed theater, whether acting or attending, and travel. He enjoyed what he fondly called being a “gentleman farmer,” caring for his land and his Highland bull.

Deacon Martin will be remembered as a man of charity, gentleness, and hospitality. He possessed a shepherd’s heart, best exemplified in his life’s mission to “gather the little lost sheep of the world,” whether two-legged or four-legged. In this, he reflected the love of the Good Shepherd.

He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn, of the home; his daughter, Ashley Martin, of St. Louis; and his sister, Nancy Martin, of Kansas City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter, Sara Alice Martin; and his stepmother, Joyce Martin.

A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Sacred Heart Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, with Rev. Joseph S. Corel presiding and Bishop Ralph O'Donnell attending in choir. Visitation will follow from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Sacred Heart Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, with Father Joseph Corel presiding.

A luncheon will be held following the Mass in the basement of St. Patrick Chapel, followed by burial at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery in Bahner.

Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Parish, CASA, or Pillars of Pettis County.

Arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.