Martin Ahrent

Mr. Martin William Ahrent, 84, of Corning, AR., passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 at Corning Therapy and Living Center. Mr. Ahrent was born in Corning, AR., on October 31, 1928. He was a life-long farmer. He served on the Board of Directors for Corning Grain Dryer - Riceland Foods from the early 1960’s until the present. He also served on the Board of Directors for Riceland Foods Incorporated in Stuttgart, AR., for 19 years retiring his position April 30, 2013. He served on the Arkansas Board of the U.S. Rice council for 46 years and on the National Board for 40 years and was past President of Clay County Farm Bureau. Mr. Ahrent was an active member of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church where he taught the Adult Bible Study Class for 55 years. He was the current President of the congregation having served his church in this position for almost 25 years. He was a member of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce and has volunteered to cook the Barbeque the night before the Annual Fourth of July Picnic for the past 40 years. Mr. Ahrent was one of the original founders and sponsors of the Corning’s Annual Harvest Festival; he enjoyed very much displaying and demonstrating some of his collection of antique farm machinery each year. In what little spare time he had he enjoyed restoring antique farm machinery, working at his sawmill, hunting arrowheads and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He married his wife Betty Jean (Holloway) Ahrent on November 15, 1953 in Corning, she survives. Other survivors include two sons Mark Ahrent and wife Dee of Corning, AR., Michael Ahrent and wife Ronda of Corning, AR.; three brothers Edwin, Herb and Louis Ahrent all of Corning, AR. Five grandchildren Trey and Christian Bowers, Blake, Marka and Matthew Ahrent.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dorthea Ernestine (Allmandinger) and Fredrick John Ahrent; brother Vernon Ahrent and sister Ruth Letterman.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, June 24, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the Ermert Funeral Home Chapel Pastor Jon Bischoff officiating. Burial will follow the services in Corning Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 23, 2013 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saint Matthew Lutheran Church.

www.ermertfunerlhome.com