Martin Backues (Veteran)

Martin J. "Marty" Backues, age 79, of Linn, passed away Monday, February 21, 2011, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. Marty was born on February 4, 1932, in Paydown, a son to the late Clarence J. and Madge Marie (Gillispie) Backues. Marty was a graduate of Vienna High School and a Korean War Army veteran. On February 23, 1952, he was united in marriage to Shirley Mantle in Linn. She survives of the home. Prior to his retirement in 2004, Marty was a Heavy Duty Truck Sales Manager for Capital City Ford. He was member of St. Johns United Methodist Church, past Worshipful Master of Linn Masonic Lodge #326, a life member of VFW Post #4756 in Linn and a past member of the Linn Tech Advisory Board. Marty enjoyed woodworking, rebuilding Wheel Horse garden tractors and attending bluegrass festivals. In addition to his wife Shirley, he is survived by one son, Paul and his wife Anita Backues of Freeburg; three daughters, Rhonda Bish and her husband Richard of Linn, Rita Meyer of Washington, and Karen Beyer and her husband Bob of Linn; three brothers, Harold R. and his wife Maxine Backues of Fulton, Neal J. and his wife Kay Backues of Glenrose, Texas, and Samuel and his wife Zelda Backues of Linn; two sisters, Amy Gunnufson of Ballwin and Marilyn Holland of Oceanside, Calif.; 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, Marty was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and Roy Backues; one sister, Emma Tomson; and one son-in-law, Wilson Meyer. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at Morton Chapel in Linn, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 24, 2011, at Morton Chapel, with Rev. John Swatosh officiating. Interment will follow at Linn Public Cemetery with full military honors. Expressions of sympathy may be made payable to Christy Court Cancer Center, 1705 Christy Drive, Suite 201, Jefferson City, MO 65101 to help assist other cancer patients. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Mo. (573-897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com