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Central State University University of Dayton

Harold Martin Obituary

Martin, Harold "Lefty"

Harold "Lefty" Martin, a cherished mentor, coach, and community leader, passed away on January 13, 2025. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Harold served as Chief of Recreation Therapy at the VA Hospital in Dayton for 28 years. He also spent seven years as Head Coach at the University of Dayton.

Harold founded Northwest Track Club, where under his leadership, the club produced multiple NCAA champions, 60 national youth champions, and six Olympians, including two Olympic medalists.

A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Harold is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Brenda; their four children, LaVonna (Edrick), Duane (Renae), Lloyd (Anitra), and LeBren (Terrance); nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service is pending.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lefty Martin Memorial Fund https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4599742

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Jan. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Martin

21 Entries

Michael B. Jones

March 2, 2025

Our deepest Condolences to the Martin family and friends from the Jones family. I would like to thank Coach for all the mentoring and encouragement as I pursued a career in Education/Coaching. In each one of my stop, high school or college, he alway asked questions that got my mine turning. I really appreciate you taking the time to teach and share with me at every juncture of my career. Rest Easy Coach Martin.

Katherine Branch

February 9, 2025

I enjoyed working Track Meets with Lefty good man.

Miriam Watkins Gates and Elinor Tootle

February 2, 2025

From the start of the Trotwood Summer Track Club, we watched "Lefty" Martin and the Martin family dedicate themselves to a mission to help young athletes become outstanding performers in track, field, and most importantly, life. Our sons, Alfred Watkins, Chris Watkins, and Robert Tootle participated in the early years of the club and enjoyed traveling the country for various track meets. We appreciate the investment of time, wisdom, and even personal treasure into the development our young people. May his legacy continue through those he has inspired.

Peter Darryl Slaughter

January 25, 2025

Rest in Peace Coach Martin and will say your coaching in the sport of Track and field made a big difference for a lot of kid's growing up on the west side of the city.So thanks for all the great coaching.

Carolyn Griggs

January 23, 2025

One of our greatest youth mentors and Track Referee. Harold "Lefty" Martin had a tremendous impact on the professional development of our USATF Youth Meet Management Team of which those key members, who put in the work and education are still excelling today as USATF Officials. Rest on dear friend and mentor. Mrs. Brenda I love you tremendously and thank you for everything. "Praise the Lord"

Kathleen Henderson

January 23, 2025

Although I never ran track for him I am fortunate to say that I ran along side of him as he served the University of Dayton community as coach of the women's track team. Coach Martin was a wonderful person to partner with to support the young women of the UD program. While I "might" have provided insight to working within the University's processes he definitely provided life lessons to me. When my own father passed away Lefty was a supportive presence for me as I observed his own father/daughter exchanges with LeBren. He was indeed a giant. His impact is far and wide. We/I am better having had the opportunity to work with him. Sending prayers and love to the whole Martin family.
Kathleen (Kathy) Henderson

Derrick Campbell

January 20, 2025

My Condolences to the Martin Family. Coach Martin had a plan to help people of all ages. I witnessed him sharing his time and knowledge to many aspiring kids. I am honored to share how he helped facilitate my growth, maturity and opportunity to attend college; just one of the many kids. RIP Coach!

Hali Robinson

January 19, 2025

Lefty and I were roommates at the 2001 World Youth Track and Field Championships in Hungary. Over these many years we always recalled where to place Allyson Felix on the final day’s mile relay team. We, in our lighter moments, when not talking about our fraternity and the Pittsburgh Steelers, laughed about the odd toilet design and its water tank and chain that were interestingly installed high up on the wall.
Upon entering the room and immediately taking note of the unusual configuration, LEFTY said, “Hali, bruh, this might be a seven-day problem.”

Kenda (Shank) Jefferson

January 18, 2025

Lefty was my track coach when I was younger. I did pretty well at shot put, discus, and javelin. I´ll never forget when he asked me to run the 220 at a meet at UD stadium. I´m not a runner by any means but I did it for him and I wasn´t even last in my heat He will always be remembered for his hard work and patience with me and helping to shape me. Rest well Lefty!

Sandy Snow

January 18, 2025

I will forever remember Lefty sitting on a golf cart in the middle of the track at a Junior Olympic Championships. He was always our referee. We had some great times at the Junior Olympics. He taught me a lot about running track meets. Love you Lefty!

Alfred Watkins

January 18, 2025

My amazingly dedicated track & field coaches, Harold "Lefty" Martin and Reggie "Smitty" Smith, taught me life lessons that have sustained, propelled, and inspired me to this day. "Put the work in during practice" and you will be ready to perform when starter's gun signals it's SHOWTIME. The Martins became like family to me, so being there in-person in the broiling New Orleans heat to witness my little sister Vonnie qualify to represent the USA in the 1992 Olympics was a proud moment and just what a brother was supposed to do if given the opportunity. RIP Coach, Legend, and Friend.

Dana Dixon

January 18, 2025

Expressing my sincere condolences from the entire Dixon (Kenny) Family. I first met Coach Lefty in '85 when I was just dating my husband who ran for him at Northwest Track Club. Yrs down the road my hubby began to coach with the club and 2 of my 3 sons ran for him for a short time. Coach Lefty spoke at Kenny's funeral and I will always be grateful. He will always be remembered by all the lives he touched.

Laura Kirkham

January 18, 2025

Sending my condolences from the Kirkham family. Mr Martin "Lefty" is part of my earliest memories of Track & Field as an age grouper. He and his family were a positive influence spending nearly every weekend at meets together in OH and beyond. He left a great legacy.

K.M. Adams

January 18, 2025

To a man that from a far influenced not only my track career along with my mother and Les Smith´ father, Harold Martin will always be someone that inspired me with his integrity, honesty, and tough love.

To my Little Sis, LaVonna Martin Floreal Oly, Mrs. Brenda Young Martin, the family and all that love and were inspired by Mr. Martin, Blessings for his life and legacy that will endure even though his physical presence has left us. Prayers of Strength and Peace for all that will carry him in our hearts until we meet again.

Dudley Paschal

January 17, 2025

Condolences to the Martin family.

John Austin

January 17, 2025

I first met "Lefty" when I signed my son up to run track at Northwest Track Club. After many discussions about track and coaching strategies, "Lefty" drafted me into his circle of coaches. Not long after, he invited me to take the track officials test after which I began to officiate track meets and I continue officiating to this day. In other words, I owe "Lefty" a great deal of gratitude because he changed my life. Thank you Coach. Your good friend, John Austin

Barbara Mchughes

January 17, 2025

My condolences to the family of Martins.
Co-works of Renae Young- Martin
Barbara Mchughes

Sara Blakey LeGrande

January 16, 2025

First, my sincere condolences to the family. Harold attended Schenley High School along with Me and My Husband. He was always the same guy who was well respected. I read about all of his achievements, and was not surprised. I will miss the occasional posts on Facebook.

Rachel Weiland

January 16, 2025

Lefty hired me into the Recreation Therapy family at the Dayton VA way back in 1994. He was so welcoming and had a huge smile. Wishing his family peace, love, and grace.

Deeona Allen (Poole)

January 16, 2025

I started running for Coach Martin when I was 6. At first he told me I was too young and I wanted to prove to him that this is what I wanted to do. Next thing I know by middle school he turned me into a hurdler. I was scared but he paired me with Lebren and Donica and I become a Jr National Champion. He was a tough coach but he was also a caring coach and pushed us to be our best. I don´t have any pictures with him but the picture below is action shot representing NWTC

Sue Humphrey

January 16, 2025

I remember Lefty & Brenda back in my early youth track days. They were always working & supporting the youth of Ohio & the USA. He definitely is a leader in youth athletics in the country & will be greatly missed. Thank you Brenda, LaVonna & family for sharing him with us!

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