Michael Fred Martin, 59, of Johnston went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 27, 2015 after a nearly six year battle with lung cancer. Mike was born on April 25, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan to Betty (Wood) and Harold Martin. Mike proudly served in the US Army from 1974-1977. Mike was a Decatur County deputy for ten years and then became a police sergeant at the Johnston Police Department where he retired after nearly 22 years in 2010.

Those left to cherish Mike's memory include his wife and best friend, Debra (Betts) Martin; daughter, Laura (Brian) Razor of Bondurant and son, Shawn Patterson; three grandchildren, Brittany Razor, Mickaela Hoffman and Jordan Razor; one great granddaughter, Leanne Barrios-Hoffman; sisters, Judy (Tom) Carney, Sister Nancy Martin, CSJ, Mary (Farold) Norris; brothers, John Martin, Charles Martin; sister-in-law, Marion Martin, and numerous nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, William Martin.

Mike was a member of Glen Echo Christian Church. During Mike's cancer journey he also volunteered as a driver of cancer patients for the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program.

Mike enjoyed his time spent at their lake house at Lake Ponderosa. He loved boating and teaching Jordan, Drake Boeckholt and Haley Wright good boating skills. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Mike was a fan of University of Michigan, Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. He also enjoyed all sports and any activities of his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Mike had a huge heart, great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. He could make friends with anyone and knew few strangers. 

A visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Monday, February 2, 2015 followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at the Glen Echo Christian Church, 4323 Douglas Ave., Des Moines, Iowa with interment at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Deming, Dr. Robert Shreck, Dr. Bradley Hiatt and Dr. Bradley Wilcox and the multitude of medical staff who assisted during Mike's six year cancer journey and the friends and family who have provided support during this difficult time.