John E. ‘Jerry’ Martin
Jerry died peacefully in his home on Sunday, September 13, 2026, supported by his faith, his church and a close circle of friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kristin S. Zapalac PhD, his parents John S. Martin and Frances Langley Martin and his sister Janet VanderHayden Acord.
John was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Webster Groves, Missouri. He graduated from Webster Groves High School.
He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology but left there to move to Paris to study the Organ. The time there confirmed his love of the great instrument, its performance and technology. Paris also gave him the opportunity to study great art, architecture and other music which he continued to do for the rest of his life. Deciding that a performance career was not for him, he became a passionate patron of the arts.
Back in St Louis, John was employed by Andres Carpet Services Co., a provider of specialty and historic recreations of rugs and carpets to many older homes in the City and County of St Louis. His favorite project was the reconstruction of the Campbell House to its original grandeur. When the founder of the business decided to retire, John continued to work with some of the clients but after a time he, too, decided to retire.
On October 15, 1994, John married the great love of this life, Kristin Sorensen Zapalac, an historian and educator. Their mutual interests in history and music and some politics meant that they were frequently seen at many events around the city. Kris died in 2021 after a long illness.
A long time and devoted member of the Episcopal Church, John held leadership positions at parishes where he was a member. He also served the Diocese of Missouri as a member of Diocesan Council and on several committees. He was also an activist and supporter of LBGTQ causes.
After Kris’s death, John continued to volunteer at the Landmarks Association, visit the St Louis Art Museum, and attend musical events. He was a long-time supporter of the St Louis Symphony, the Opera Theater of St Louis, the St. Louis Chamber Chorus. He also possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of pipe organs in the St. Louis area.
Services: A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, November 6, at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Central West End, 600 North Euclid, at 11:00 a.m., after which his ashes will be laid to rest in Trinity’s Memorial Garden.
Contributions in John’s name might go to Trinity Episcopal Church, the Landmarks Association of St Louis or the Humane Society of Missouri.
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