Philip “Martin” Kerwin
Philip “Martin” Kerwin
Philip “Martin” Kerwin
1938-2026
Martin Kerwin, 88, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Martin was born April 16, 1938, in Parnell, Missouri, to Philip and Mildred (Boedeker) Kerwin.
He graduated from Ravenwood High School in 1956. Martin was a member of the Air National Guard.
On April 25, 1959, Martin was united in marriage to Arda Swinford, and they were married for 57 years until her death in July 2016. They established their family farm in northwest Gentry County and remained there—forever and ever, Amen. Together, they loved to host friends and family gatherings.
Martin enjoyed square dancing, neighborhood card parties, 10-point pitch, trips to Branson with family and friends, cruising to Alaska and the Bahamas, and snow skiing. He loved his life of farming, working his land and tending his livestock. The last few years, his faithful dog, Lucky, was by his side, enjoying pickup rides and an evening ice cream treat.
Martin was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Stanberry, Missouri. He was a man of great faith. He spent time on the parish council and always enjoyed helping with the annual church carnival. He was a member of the American Legion Raymond Sager Post 260. Martin was also a dedicated blood donor.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arda, brothers Robert and James, sister Mary Jo Guard; brothers-in-law Darrel Swinford and Ed Guard; and sisters-in-law Mary Swinford and Carol Ann Kerwin.
Martin is survived by his children: Steven (Julie) Kerwin, Platte City, Missouri; Alan (Shannon) Kerwin, Ravenwood, Missouri; Susan (Brad) McMillen, Pelzer, South Carolina; and Amy (Richard) Messner, Stanberry; Grandchildren: Justin Kerwin, Hannah Kerwin, Alex (Jolene) Kerwin, Ashley (Matt) Henggeler, Kaity (Matt) Holtman, Collin (Amanda) McMillen, Tucker (Cassidy) McMillen, Maggie McMillen, Logan McMillen, Ryan (Shelby) Messner, and Benjamin Messner; 13 great grandchildren and two more on the way; Sisters-In-law: Patsy Kerwin, Marilyn (Bob) Alldredge, and Eva Herl; Brothers-in-law: Jim (Sandy) Swinford and Kenny (Susy) Swinford; numerous nieces and nephews, and many special friends.
A rosary will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Stanberry on Friday, July 31 at 5:30 p.m., followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Stanberry. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Stanberry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Raymond Sager Post 260 or Mt. Calvary Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 153, Stanberry, MO 64489. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
