Waylon Martensen

Waylon Michael Martensen, 19, of California, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, May 7, 2010, at University Hospital and Clinics in Columbia. He was born on June 21, 1990, in Sedalia, the son of Rex and Cindy (Ronspiez) Martensen, both of whom survive of the home. He was a member of First Baptist Church at California, and was baptized on July 26, 1998. He was very active in the Youth Group of First Baptist Church, even going on mission trips to Nebraska, New Mexico, and Puerto Rico. He was a 2008 graduate of California High School, where he was a standout student. He was Junior and Senior Class President, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the History Club, and went to Boys State. He was a four-year member of both the football and track teams, receiving Pinto Awards in both, and earning the award for most points for running events in track. He was a four-year member of the drum line; playing music was a way to express himself. He was a sophomore at Northwest Missouri State University, where he competed on the track and cross country teams; he also was a math tutor at NW Missouri State. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to hunt and fish. Besides his parents, he is also survived by one brother: Wyatt Martensen of California; three sisters: Rachel Martensen-Opare of Jefferson City, Brittany and Rozalyn Martensen, both of California; his maternal grandfather: Bob Ronspiez of Sedalia; his paternal grandparents: Bill and Imogene Martensen of Latham; one niece: Makenzy Opare; and one nephew: Leyton Opare, both of Jefferson City; and numerous aunts; uncles; cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother: Donna Ronspiez. Funeral services will be held today, at 3:00 p.m. at the California High School. Burial will be in Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery near Florence. Officiating will be Rev. Greg Morrow. Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church of California Youth Group or the California High School Track Team, c/o Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak, California, MO 65018. Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California.