Former Ozark Public Works director dies at 55

Photo provided by James River Basin Partnership

Larry Martin died Sept. 14 from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Former Ozark Public Works Director Larry Martin died Sept. 14 from injuries sustained in a car accident in Salt Lake City. He was 55.

Martin also was active in the James River Basin Partnership, serving as a board member and past president, according to a news release.

“The JRBP family and the community at large has lost a great advocate and friend,” said Tiffany Frey, director of the partnership, in the release. “Larry was the most passionate water warrior I've ever met and made a significant and lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.”

The James River Basin Partnership credits Martin for adding a crawdad boil to its annual River Jam event, as well as the addition of a public fundraising event on the Finley River bridge known as Sunset Soiree.

In Ozark, Martin worked for the city 2003-2016, exiting as Public Works director. James River Basin Partnership Membership and Marketing Manager Christa Gammon said via email he left his position in Ozark to spend time with his children, travel and fish.

Martin’s visitation is scheduled Sept. 21 at J.D. Lee & Sons Funeral Home in Rogersville. His funeral is scheduled the next day at the funeral home, followed by a barbecue at Ozark’s Finley River Park, according to the release.