Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Martin Deen Obituary
Martin Deen, 100, self-employed carpenter, and a resident of Columbia, died Sunday, September 14, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Donnie Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Wilson Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 11:00 until 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Born October 18, 1924 in Shady Grove, TN, he was the son of the late Elbert Deen and the late Lillie Martin Deen. Martin loved to sit on the porch, sing, and tell stories. He was an amazing cook, making the best apples and fried pies around. Martin’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a longtime member of Jackson Heights Church of Christ.
He is survived by his children, Riley Deen, Terri (Jeff) Peden, Linda Russell, all of Columbia, Debbie (Jackie) Hagan, of Bowling Green, KY, and Jill (Doug) Reece, of Columbia; brother, Granville Deen of Clarksville, TN; grandchildren, Dustin, Jeff, Michael, Tara, Amanda, and Nick; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie Jean Cayce Deen; his late wife, Mary Fitzgerald Jackson Deen; sons, Andy Jackson, and Mark Jackson; and brothers, Leonard Deen, and James Deen.
Active pallbearers will be Dustin Peden, Jeff Peden, Doug Reece, Michael Russell, Greg Deen, and Pat Deen.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Joyce and Lee Nicholson for the longtime friendship, love and care they gave to their father.
320 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
People and places connected with Martin
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Deen
Make a Donation
in Martin Deen's name
How to support Martin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Martin Deen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
