Obituary: Martin E. Schifferdecker

Martin E. Schifferdecker, 80, of Girard passed away Friday, February 6, at 8:58 p.m. in the emergency room of the Girard Medical Center.
Martin was born July 20, 1934 in Girard, a son of Earl and Florene (Morrison) Schifferdecker
and was a resident of Girard his entire life. He attended Girard Schools, graduating from the Girard High School in 1952. After graduation from Pittsburg State University (then known as Kansas State Teacher’s College), Martin enjoyed a lifelong career in banking at the Girard National Bank, serving as President and Chairman of the Board. Martin was well known in the area, and impacted the lives of countless individuals with his generous heart and good humor.
On January 11, 1959, Martin was united in marriage to Sandra Morey at First Christian Church of Girard.  They enjoyed 56 years together, traveling around the world, attending community events and spending time with their children and grand-children.
In addition to his wife of the home, Martin is survived by three children: Susan (Carey) Friesen of Omaha, Nebraska, Mark (Nancy) Schifferdecker of Girard, and Joy Shoop (David) of Columbia, South Carolina.  He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Tara, Michael, Meghan (Levi), Sara, Anna, Bethany, Laura and Rebekah; one brother, John Schifferdecker of Girard and one sister, Carlene Neihart of Kansas City, Missouri.
Martin had a great love for the Lord, and openly shared his faith with everyone he met.  Martin was a founding member of the Girard Bible Church, served on the Board of Elders and taught various classes throughout his life.  In addition to his involvement at the church, Martin served on the Board of Haiti Health Ministries.  Martin was a member of the Kansas and American Bankers’ Associations and served as treasurer of the Museum of Crawford County.
Services for Martin E. Schifferdecker will be Wednesday, February 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Girard Bible Church with Pastor Don Wymore officiating.  Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home of Girard where friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.
The family suggests memorials to either Haiti Health Ministries or the Girard Bible Church and these may be left at the funeral Home or mailed the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W. St. John, P.O. Box 258, Girard, Kansas 66743
Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com