Gerry Onelia Marteen was the fourth of eight children born to the union of George "Gene" Eugene Marteen and Addie Mae Graves Marteen on August 13, 1955 in Montgomery City, Missouri. Gerry was born in the home of his loving grandparents, Sadie Gertrude Clark Graves & Leslie Graves on picnic night and was given the nickname "Picnic" growing up.

Gerry attended Montgomery City elementary and middle schools and graduated from Montgomery County R-II High School in 1973.  In his younger years, Gerry was a phenomenal basketball player, earning much praise for his talents and taking the Montgomery County R-II High School team to its only state championship victory in 1972 and 3rd place in 1973.

In 1975 Gerry joined the United States Navy where he was enlisted for over a year before being honorably discharged.

Gerry met and married Clair Annie Johnson on June 15, 1988, from this union five children were born Gerry, Pamella, Jamale, Chandelle and Christopher.

After his military service Gerry worked as a pharmacy technician at the Veteran's Administration Hospital for 25 years. To provide for his family, Gerry often worked two jobs. He worked at Nowell's Grocery Store for 5 years during his tenure at the VA and then he went to Gerbes Super Markets for 10 years where he cooked chicken so good that it was often said that people would not eat there if he wasn't cooking. He left the grocery store for a change of scenery and worked at Walmart for 7 years.

When Gerry wasn't working, he loved spending quality time with his family and playing spades and bid whist. He also loved BINGO and shooting pool … winning many tournaments as his athletic talents transitioned to the pool table.

Gerry was proud to receive his associate degree from Columbia College, where he studied nursing and graduated with honors.

Gerry is survived by his devoted wife, Clair Annie Marteen of Columbia, MO; six adoring children: Regis Bradford, Pamella Jordan (Robert), Jamale Marteen, Chandelle Marteen, and Christopher Marteen, all of Columbia, MO; 26 grandchildren; siblings: Carolyn Marteen and Lissa Marteen both of St. Louis, MO, Anthony Marteen (Mary) of Baton Rouge, LA, Stephen Marteen (Sheron) of Detroit, MI and Eric Marteen of Chicago, IL; one aunt, Marie Bonds of St. Louis, MO and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Gerry is preceded in death by his parents, George Eugene Marteen and Addie Mae Graves Marteen; his son, Gerry Demetrick Marteen; and two brothers: George Wesley Marteen and Marvin Wayne Marteen.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO.  Interment with full Military Honors will be in the Montgomery City Cemtery in Montgomery City, MO.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the Schlanker Funeral Home.