Martin Wilkes

Martin Dean Wilkes, 67, passed away on November 13th, 2024, in Haysville, KS due to injuries received in a tragic farming accident. Martin was born to Donald & Geneva Wilkes on July 21st, 1957 in Neodesha, KS. He married Grace “Susie” Vanderhoof, the love of his life, on June 25th, 1983.

Martin spent 30 years of his life in the parts department at Rusty Eck Ford, which led him into the world of NHRA Drag Racing and a lifetime of friendships and memories. His career there was cut short due to the discovery of a massive brain tumor in 2011, but three major brain surgeries later and a hard-fought recovery, Martin was determined to go back to work part-time. Always willing to help wherever needed, this brought him to the Rose Hill Middle School lunchroom, the very school where “Coach Martin” was already a beloved member of the Middle School staff as a head wrestling coach for almost 2 decades. He took any opportunity to help kids during the most pivotal times of their lives. Martin also got to spend time on the road with his daughter as a valued member of the Coleman event team and had recently started doing groundwork and maintenance for Blood Orchard, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Martin was a dedicated family man and completely devoted to his children, Shreene and Dustin. Being a father, and a grandfather (Papa to Trenton) was his greatest joy. Whether he was cheering at a game, coaching in the corner of the mat, or leading a hot horse down a rodeo arena alley, he was always there, proud, and unwaveringly steadfast.

Martin’s passion was helping youth. From the time his daughter was a young girl, he loved judging 4H and horsemanship shows, where he always took the time to discuss his decisions and show kids how to better themselves. As his children got older, Martin found himself coaching sports he had never participated in himself, studying rule books, and learning from others so that he could help the kids learn and grow. For over 20 years, Martin coached hundreds of kids in club and middle school wrestling, many of which grew up to become coaches themselves and continued to seek him out at tournaments and practices for advice.

Martin is survived by so many who loved him dearly, including his loving wife of 42 years, Susie, daughter Shreene (Noah), son Dustin (Tessa) and his beloved grandson and partner in crime, Trenton. Martin is also survived by his siblings, Steve (Mary), Mike (Stacie) and Diane as well as Susie’s siblings, who he loved as though they were his own, Debbie (Dave), Andy (Sherri) and Lovina. He also leaves behind Virginia & Ron Lauppe, who consider Martin their own son. He was Uncle to many nieces and nephews, as well as grand nieces and nephews, who are all greatly impacted by the loss of Uncle Martin. He was proceeded in death by his father Don, mother Geneva, and Uncle Frank.

The loss of Martin leaves an undeniable hole in the lives of his family, friends and his entire community. A service in his memory will be held at Rose Hill Christian Church on November 23rd, 2024, at 10am. There will be a reception to follow at the Hubbard Art Center at 309 N Woodlawn Blvd in Derby.