Martin Charles “Marty” Metzger, 59, of Centralia passed away Friday, November 18, 2022, doing what he loved deer hunting.
He was born on January 7, 1963, the son of Ralph “Boze” and Lucy (Betti) Metzger in Centralia. He married the love of his life, Mary Hutson on May 14, 1992, in Salem; they later divorced but remained special friends.
Marty is survived by his beloved family, his daughters, Allie Gregory and husband Austin of Centralia, and Tabitha Jentsch and husband George of Irvington; precious granddaughter Madisyn Jentsch; brother Tom Betti and wife Lori of Ruidoso, New Mexico; sister Dody Ray and husband Raymond of Centralia; nieces Chantal Nation and husband Kurt, April McCrary and husband Brad, Heidi Heser and husband Casey; and many aunts, uncles, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lucy and Boze Metzger, and mother-in-law Joan Hutson.
Marty had a strong work ethic and gave one hundred percent to his employer, Hollywood Candy Factory which later became Leaf in Centralia. He then was employed by Walgreens Distribution in Mt. Vernon and was a loyal employee for over 25 years. Marty was proud to be co-owner of M.J. Mowing, making the lawns of his customers look pristine. Never one to sit still for long, he kept active, even in his free time. Each deer season one would find Marty out in the woods searching for that perfect shot and he was known to come home with a mess of fish after a day on the lake. He had a competitive spirit and loved to watch his favorite teams, St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Blues play. Marty had a wonderful personality and a gift of making others feel welcomed and at ease in his presence. His contagious laugh and winning smile could fill a room with positivity and fun. An animal lover at heart, Marty was grateful for his furry companions, his dog, Mylee, and his four cats. Marty was a protective, loving father who devoted his patience and his time first to his beautiful daughters and then to his cherished granddaughter. Marty leaves a never-ending legacy of working hard, never complaining, doing for others above himself, and loving family with all his heart. The family wishes everyone would have a Marty in their life, for he was the best!
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Minister Janice Burns officiating. Interment will follow at Gilead Cemetery in Walnut Hill. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia and from one hour prior to the services on Saturday. Memorials may be made in Marty’s honor to the Centralia Humane Society or the American Heart Association. Online condolences and memories of Marty may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
