Stan Martin, 46

On Nov. 7, 2018, Pastor Stan Martin, also known as the “Powerlifting Preacher,” went home to be with his Saviour after a long battle with leukemia. Stan was a loving son, husband, father, pastor, and friend. He will always be loved and remembered by his wife and best friend, Sharon, their precious daughters Karly, Tiffany, and Brianna, and his parents Craig and Louise Martin. Stan will also be forever remembered by his extended family, church family and friends.

Stan was born and raised in California. He played football, was a powerlifter, and worked in video production. In 2001, after the death of his grandmother, Stan realized he was not certain of his eternal security; he didn’t know where he would go when he died. Not long after this while living with his Christian friend he asked Jesus into his heart and secured his home in heaven. After a year of growing in the Lord and learning the Bible he became the youth pastor at Fundamental Baptist Church in Ventura, California. He then spent the next 10 years preaching to teenagers and showing them Christ’s love. He saw the Lord change many young lives during those years.

In December of 2011, God called Stan and his family to Kalispell to be the pastor of Victory Baptist Church. During the past seven years he had served his church family faithfully. He devoted countless hours in prayer, counseling and sermon preparation so that many could be saved, and lives could be changed. He was not only their pastor but also their friend. He invested his life into others and into the cause of Christ. He truly was a man that lived what he professed to believe. A man after God’s own heart.

Stan was not only a pastor but he also was a wonderful husband and father. He showed his love for his family by spending time talking with them, playing with them, and just loving them. There were many hiking and camping trips, day drives, game nights, and movies. He will always be in their hearts and he is greatly missed. Life will never be the same without his smile, laugh, and love. Heaven is sounding sweeter all the time.

We will be celebrating Stan’s life at 11 a.m. on Nov. 17 at Victory Baptist Church in Evergreen, located at 1830 Montana Highway 35. A reception will follow. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate the money to the missionaries of Victory Baptist Church.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.