WD Martin Jr. began his life on March 28th, 1954, he was the third of ten children born to Corene Martin and WD Martin Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two sisters. WD was a man whose personality was impossible to forget. He had a gift for oversharing stories, opinions, and memories that often wandered far from where they started. Those conversations, though sometimes long-winded—you'd often hear a resounding, "Dad, breathe!"—became one of his most beloved qualities, leaving people laughing, shaking their heads, and feeling as though they knew him just a little better. WD had an uncanny ability to create delicious meals without recipes or measurements. He could take whatever ingredients were on hand and turn them into something memorable, sharing his love through food as naturally as he shared it through music and laughter. Music was woven into every part of his life. He was rarely found without a song on his lips and possessed a natural musical talent that couldn't be taught. Whether singing or playing one of the many instruments he had learned over the years, music was simply part of who he was. It was a gift and a great love he passed down to his children. He started a recording studio called Nitram Records and produced a few albums with his music group Family Friend. The group had been performing for almost two years and had been regulars on “The New Jim Bakker Show” and performed on “The Bobby Jones Show” in Branson and throughout the country. He carried the name of Family Friend and started a ministry that initially focused on feeding homeless veterans then expanded into a nonprofit organization that feeds the homeless community. 

Known for his old-fashioned sense of humor, unwavering determination, and stubborn nature, WD stood firmly by his beliefs and rarely changed his mind once it was made up. While he could be headstrong, those who knew him understood that his authenticity was one of his greatest strengths along with his entrepreneurship and ministry. 

He served in the Army for two years, then he went to barber college where he was told that his knowledge of cutting hair exceeded the expertise of what they could teach him and was transferred to Inglewood, California to the barber college in Watts, California. After returning to Wichita, he continued working as a barber until he started his own barber college Martin's Total Image, which ultimately became one of the first black-owned cosmetology schools in Kansas. He then had a barbershop called JR Martin's Place and expanded to two more locations, JR Martin's Place 2 and 3. Eventually, he left working at the barbershops but still continued to cut hair remotely.Above all else, WD loved his family. As the father of many children, he cared deeply for each of them and treasured the relationships he was able to maintain throughout his life. 

His love was steadfast, even when time and distance created space between them. WD departed this life on Monday, July 6th, 2026, at the age of 72 years old. He graduated from Southeast High School in 1972. His passing was sudden, leaving behind songs left unsung, stories left unfinished, and meals that can never quite be recreated. Though he is deeply missed, his laughter, music, resilience, and unmistakable spirit live on through his children, family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

He leaves behind to mourn him his five daughters, Shanell (Rashad) Fields, Porsha (Cornelius) Adkins, Chavon (David) Snow, Ciquia Martin, Mikayla (James) Peeples, and one son, Yanessa “Yanni” Martin, three brothers, Eddie “Rocky” Martin, Troy (Helen) Martin, and Keith (Cynthia) Martin, three sisters, Nora Johnson, Peggy Martin and Cynthia “Cindy” Martin, fourteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.