Ronald Ray Martin, 77, of Pevely died Dec. 11, 2021, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. He was a retired police officer and served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Mr. Martin was a retired first responder, starting his career with St. Louis City Fire Department. In 1972, he became a policeman with the Des Peres Department of Public Safety, serving there for 23 years, including serving as chief for 15 years. He then worked as a deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years, where he was instrumental in the department gaining its CALEA accreditation.
Born Nov. 27, 1944, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Sylvia (Hecht) and Silas Martin.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years: Shirley A. (Noel) Martin of Pevely; two children: Kirk Martin of Festus and Scott Martin of Festus; two brothers: Ken (Glenda) Martin of Hoschton, Ga., and George (Joan) Martin of Imperial; one sister: Rada (Nick) Robinson of St. Louis.
He was preceded in death by one child: Stacy Martin Vandborg; and a younger brother: Garry Martin.
Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, in south St. Louis County. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Park Lawn Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials may be made to The BackStoppers organization.
Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis Funeral Homes.