Martin Thomas Husar

Martin Thomas Husar, 91, of Fort Wayne, passed away on January 28, 2025, after a brief stay in hospice care. He was born on June 15th, 1933 in Kewanee, Illinois to Catherine Ryan and John Husar. Until age 6, he was raised in the utility-less home of his great-grandmother Mary Ann Ryan who was born during the Civil War! Martin then moved to the Victoria, IL area after Catherine married farmer Wesley (Jack) Fahnstrom. Martin was educated in a one-room schoolhouse, then ROWVA high school (class of 1951) and briefly tried Bradley University. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served his country proudly as an air traffic controller near Pohang in the Korean War. He finished his duty at Offutt AF Base near Omaha, Nebraska where he met Mary Margaret Lenihan and they were married in 1956. Together they raised five children. He began his 36 year career as an air traffic controller in Garden City, Kansas, then Springfield, Illinois and in 1963 moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana to work at Baer Field Airport. Using the GI Bill, Martin learned to fly single-engine planes piloting over 150 flights from 1957-1970 and participated in the Civil Air Patrol. Always a DIYer, he built a family garage topped with a large amateur radio antenna contacting people from all over the world. He enjoyed a Heathkit hobby including building an amateur radio and television. He enjoyed annual family road trips, bowling and golf leagues, skiing, the astronomical society, helping with boy scouts, and following Bishop Luers or Fort Wayne sports teams. For many years, he counted money for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and helped at church-run food pantries. In retirement, after the 1989 passing of his wife, Martin learned ballroom dancing and was a gentleman host on dozens of river and ocean cruises around the world. The Glenn Miller Orchestra was his favorite music. He also traveled extensively with longtime family friend, Audrey "Susie" Hauter. Beginning in 2015, Martin shared a home with his daughter Cathy and was lovingly cared for by her to the end. They enjoyed outings around town and volunteering at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum together. He is survived by his daughter Catherine Bell; sons David (Colleen) Donovan, John (Cindy) Husar, and James (Jennifer) Husar; grandchildren Laura Husar, Aaron Husar, Seth (Jenna) Husar, Glenn Donovan, and Tara Donovan; and his great-grandchild Aria Husar. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary; son Michael Husar; and son-in-law Gregory Bell. Memorial Service including Military Honors will be held on February 15th, 2025 at 10:30 am at Divine Mercy Funeral Home and Catholic Cemetery, 3500 Lake Ave. Visitation will follow from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Graveside Farewell Service and final taps will be at 2:30 pm at the Catholic Cemetery. Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum at honoringforever.org. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.