Van Gene Martin, Jr , 52, of Jackson, MS passed away on May 17, 2018 at his home after a long struggle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. Visitation with the family will be at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, MS Sunday, May 20 from 5 to 7 pm. The funeral will be Monday, May 21 at 2 pm at Chancellor with burial to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson. Van was born on May 28, 1965 in Jackson, MS, the son of Van Gene Martin, Sr and Nelda Elizabeth Schelb. Van attended Wingfield High School and began working as a salesman for Transmission Services In Jackson. He left to start his own successful commercial painting company in 1995. In addition to running his painting business, he enjoyed racing dragsters with his son Joseph, hunting in South Mississippi and fishing with his family at his camp in Venice, La. He loved to cook for friends and family during holidays and special occasions. He is survived by his wife Dawn Moran of Jackson, son Joseph Martin (Sarah) , daughter Kellie Elizabeth Martin, and stepdaughter Reagan Moran, all of Jackson. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters Karlyn (Tim) Williams of Jackson and Kedrin Iacaboni of Dallas, Tx, nieces Olivia and Gracie Iacaboni of Dallas and Kimberly (Josh) Lewis of Jackson. He is also survived by his uncle WR and Sara Nell Martin of Jackson. He was predeceased by his wife Melanie Scarborough Martin in 2009. He was the son in law of Joe and Grace Scarborough of Jackson, the brother in law of Bruce Scarborough of Natchez and Brian Scarborough of Vicksburg, and the uncle to Virginia Scarborough and Steven Scarborough of Natchez.