Martin Beal, 70, of Oskaloosa died Monday, April 8, 2013, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born December 2, 1942, at Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Harold and Ila McGriff Beal. He served in the United States Army. On May 11, 1963, he was united in marriage to Shirley Mabee at Showlow, Arizona. Shirley died on December 12, 2011. Early on Martin ran heavy equipment doing road construction. He also worked for Sarver Mobile Home Park helping set up mobile homes. Last he worked as a custodian for Oskaloosa Public School, he started out at the Oskaloosa High School and later transferred to Lincoln Elementary. He took great pride in keeping the school looking nice, and being able to help the students. He enjoyed going to the races in Oskaloosa and Knoxville, collecting, hunting and fishing. The entire family looked forward to "Race Sunday" when there would be plenty of loose meat sandwiches and oyster stew, for those who stopped by to watch the race. Martin delighted in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

His family includes his five children, Tony(April Evans)Beal of Oskaloosa, Nancy(Casey)Hegwood of Oskaloosa, Tammy(Wade)Farver of Monroe, Kathy Blackford of Oskaloosa, and Jimmy(Tiffany)Beal of Oskaloosa; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; four brothers, Jimmie(Sue)Beal of Texas, Mike(Deb)Beal of Oskaloosa, Ronnie(Kathy)Beal of Tracy, and Denny(Deb)Beal of Oskaloosa; two sisters, Ellen(Gary)Bunnell and Mary(Matt)Abrams.

In addition to his wife, Martin was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Tina Beal and Robby Davis.

As was his wish Martin's body had been cremated. Visitation with the family present will be held Thursday evening from 5-7 in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the Martin Beal Memorial Fund.