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John Martin Obituary
John Lewis Martin was born April 16, 1931, in Stanton, Mich. His parents were Elmer Martin and Ethel Moore Martin. Today is a day the Lord has made – let us rejoice and be glad in it! This is a refrain that all who knew John were familiar with and he lived it each and every day.
In 1951, fresh out of the U.S. Marine Corps, he enrolled at Michigan State University. This began a career that he undertook with purpose and determination. He met Gwendolyn Tenney at a church fire in Greenville, Mich., in 1950, and in January of 1953, marriage followed. Kathleen was born in July of 1955 (halfway through college) and Craig followed in April of 1958. Stacey filled out the family in February of 1964. Then the family grew with the advent of grandson, Christopher, and great-granddaughter, Lily.
John obtained employment at Whirlpool as an electrical engineer in 1958. His career started in the sound lab and ended in the executive offices. He retired in 1991 as vice president of quality control. He was a member of, and held offices in, RESA and VCMA.
John's greatest love and master was Jesus Christ. He bowed before God each day and strove to give his best. John and Gwen were members of Napier Parkview Baptist Church for several years and Trinity Baptist Church in St. Paul, Minn., while employed by Whirlpool there (17 years). He served as a deacon, trustee and usher many times, always with God's will in mind. He also served in later years at the Chapel.
In his last years, John missed fishing, golfing and Florida trips (an annual occurrence) a lot. Many happy days.
As for family, we will miss this happy, much loved man each day we go on without him. He and Gwen shared 71 blessed years together and lived in a circle of love with friends and family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.
Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to the Salvation Army or to Doctors Without Borders.
Private memorial service with family and invited friends will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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