Cleve Martin

Cleve Martin, 81, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Aug. 30, 2020, in Sherwood, Arkansas.  He was born Aug. 5, 1939 in Minden, Louisiana to the late Frank and Elsie Martin.

Cleve was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University. He had a successful career in the footwear industry, working as a manufacturer's representative for several popular shoe companies, including Dexter Shoe Company, where he ended his career. He loved fishing, cooking, houseboating on Lake DeGray and Lake Ouachita, dispensing wise advice (both solicited and unsolicited) to family and friends, playing blackjack with man or machine, enjoying an evening Scotch, and staying in touch with his many lifelong friends. He was a long-time parishioner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Little Rock.

Cleve's great joy and pride was his family. He was a supportive and generous husband, father, brother and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dixie Lee Williamson Martin, and their children, Frank (Kim) Martin of Sherwood, and Dixie ("Dee") Martin Walters (Lee) of Huntington Beach, California; and his beloved grandkids, who he was so proud of: Hayden (Katlyn) Martin and son, Keith; Haley Martin, Emmaline Walters and Rhett Walters. He is also survived by his loving younger sisters Carol (Barry) Duplechin and Jean (Jerry) Rosenbaum and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will start at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, followed by a rosary service. A memorial service is set for 10 a.m. Sat., Sept. 5, with burial following at Rest Hills in Sherwood. Donations to the Immaculate Conceptio n Building Fund in Cleve's memory are welcomed or to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Greg Bienvenu of North Little Rock and his team, who provided such supportive care and comfort to Cleve and his family.

Pallbearers are Hayden Martin, Lee Walters, Rhett Walters, Barry Duplechin, John Duplechin and Mike Larsen. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Rosenbaum, Dr. Greg Bienvenu, Gene Bowman, George Clark, Ernie Warrick and Don Wilson.

COVID-19 directives mandate masks worn at all times, social distancing encouraged.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.