Patricia Ann Martin

Patricia ”Pat” Ann Martin (Bixman), 84, of Springfield, MO departed this life on December 25, 2020 after a short battle with Covid-19.  She was born in Kansas City, Kansas on July 29th, 1936 to Karl and Mary Katherine Bixman (Sebold).  She was united in marriage to James “Jim” A. Martin on February 4th, 1956 and had two daughters, Rebecca and Gretchen. She was married for 46 years before her husband's death in 2002. 

In 1968, Pat and her family moved to the Branson, MO area where she was a homemaker for several years.  She and her husband, Jim, later owned The Branson Book and Card Shop in downtown Branson. While in Branson, she enjoyed spending time on the golf course and entertaining friends and family. In 1994, Pat and her husband adopted their oldest granddaughter, Elizabeth and moved to Mesa, Arizona where she spent 5 years heavily involved with the Junior Golf Association of Arizona. In 1999, she and her husband moved to Springfield, MO. She worked as a demo rep for Sam’s Club for several years before becoming a volunteer coordinator for Friends of the Library Gift shop.  She retired in 2014 as the Volunteer Coordinator for Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, where she made several impactful friendships. Pat enjoyed volunteering with the Salvation Army, playing bridge, and spending time with her cats, family, and many friends. She was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved watching them play.  Pat was a member of St. James Episcopal church where she was involved in the Altar Guild, Episcopal Church Women, Daughters of the King, and many other activities.  She was also a member of PEO and an Oblate with the Subiaco Abbey. 

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Charles, and her husband, as well as a daughter, Rebecca K. Howerton.  She is survived by her daughter Gretchen Edwards of Nixa, MO, and a son-in-law Dennis Howerton of Lebanon, MO; 4 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth “Liz” Trader and husband Joshawa “Josh” of Springfield and their children Tatum and Jayme; Kristin Howerton-Grimes and husband Nathaniel “Nate” and their children Kaylee, Zoey, and Ezra of Lebanon, MO; Matthew Howerton and wife Chelsea and their children Alexis, Shelbie, Bentley, and Aubreigh of Lebanon, MO; and Patricia “Tricia” Edwards and children Carson and MaKenna of Kearney, MO.  She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Elivs and a host of other friends and family including her best friend, Mary Jo Pressly, of 79 years.

Pat was a compassionate and selfless woman who always put others' needs before her own.  She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. Visitation for friends and family will be under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home Branson, MO on Saturday January 2nd, 2021 from 1-2 PM with graveside services to follow officiated by Fr. Ross Stuckey.  A Celebration of Life will be held on January 23rd, 2021 beginning at 4 PM officiated by Fr. Jos Tharakan at her home church of  St. James in Springfield, MO.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Episcopal Relief and Development Fund care of St. James Episcopal Church 2645 Southern Hills Blvd. Springfield, MO 65804.

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