Kevin Lowe Martinson, 64, of Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of January 23, 2026, at Amberwell Hiawatha.
Kevin was born on June 11, 1961, in Hiawatha, Kansas, to Willard and Eleanor Martinson. He was one of four children born to this union. He attended Fairview Elementary School, Robinson Middle School, and Hiawatha High School. Kevin left school during his senior year in 1979 to pursue construction work, beginning a lifelong career of hard work and dedication.
In 1983, Kevin met the love of his life, Glenda. The two were married on June 1, 1984. They welcomed their first daughter, Carissa, on June 22, 1993, and later their second daughter, Brianna, on November 9, 1999.
Kevin lived a simple, content life and believed that happiness came from family, hard work, and appreciating the little things. He never needed flashy possessions to feel fulfilled and lived each day with gratitude. His early working years were spent in construction before he began working at Flairfold/Abitibi Price in 1984, where he remained until the plant closed. In 1999, Kevin started working as a welder at Wenger Manufacturing, LLC in Sabetha, Kansas. He was a loyal and dedicated employee for 26 years and was excitedly looking forward to retiring this coming June.
In his free time, Kevin loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, and walking the bluffs searching for mushrooms. He cherished motorcycle rides on his Harley with his wife and daughters, shooting guns with his children and grandchildren, playing Uno with his grandkids, making wine, and spending time talking and laughing with his son-in-laws. He was always tinkering with projects around the house, and on summer evenings, you could often find him relaxing outside with a cold Mickey’s in his hand. Of all the roles he held in life, Kevin was most proud of being a devoted husband, a loving father, an even better grandfather, and a loyal friend.
Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Eleanor Martinson; his brother, Billy Martinson; and his sister, Joetta Wagoner.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Glenda Martinson of Hiawatha; his daughters, Carissa (Brenton) Matthias and Brianna (Matthew) White; three grandchildren: Camden Maritnson-Gonzales, Brinley Matthias, and Caradin Matthias; his brother, Marty Martinson; nephews, Joshua Martinson and Arthur Wagoner; and nieces, Heather Martinson and Tiffany Tucker.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, and after 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The family will meet with friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, January 27 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hiawatha High School Trap Club sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.
