Rev. Jerroll D Martens

The Rev. Jerroll D. Martens, 88, died July 9, 2026, at his home in Newton, Kansas. He was born on September 16, 1937, in Newton, Kansas, to Ike and Susan (Adrian) Martens.

Jerroll grew up as a farm boy living in the Potwin and Burns areas. He graduated high school at Berean Academy in Elbing, KS. When Jerroll wasn’t driving the tractor, he was playing basketball and once scored 44 points in a game for coach Wally Higgens, who also became a lifelong friend. After high school, Jerroll attended Grace College in Omaha, NE, for 2 years and then transferred to Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. He graduated with a master’s degree in 1961 and in December of that same year would marry, Carolyn Owens, whom he met while attending Bob Jones University. Jerroll had ministries early on in both Nebraska and Oklahoma. It was in Enid, OK, where Jerroll and Carolyn started a family. Their daughter Robin was born in 1965, and Rod was born in 1966. After Enid, Jerroll moved the family to Valley Falls, KS, where he pastored a Baptist church from 1968 until 1975. In 1975, the family moved once again to Newton, KS, where Jerroll would pastor for 33 years at Meridian Baptist Church. Jerroll loved the work of being a pastor. The work of the missions that were supported by the church were also dear to his heart. Jerroll and Carolyn took several mission trips overseas to see the work of the missionaries the church was supporting. In retirement, Jerroll continued to stay busy and served as the Chaplin at Presbyterian Manor in Newton for 10 years. For many years, one of Jerroll’s favorite trips was traveling to Hutchinson, KS, taking granddaughters India, Sydni and Audrey to the State Fair showing them what it was like to grow up on a farm.

Jerroll is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Carolyn. He is survived by daughter, Robin Martens, his son Rod (Holly) Martens, both of Wichita, Kansas; two brothers Roger (Sharon) Martens and Richard (Gayle) Martens and a sister Karen (late husband, Larry) Stucky and beloved nieces and nephews. He also has 3 grandchildren India, Sydni (Daniel) and Audrey and 3 great grandchildren Anais, Amelia and Isaiah.

Funeral service will be 10:00am, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Meridian Baptist Church in Newton with Pastors Scott Kliewer and Caleb Wood officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 9:00pm Tuesday July 21, 2026, at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery Newton.

Memorials in Jerroll’s memory may be made to Meridian Baptist Church and noted to the church mission fund.