Martin Ward Sellers

Martin Ward Sellers, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023. He was preceded by his beloved parents, C. Ward and Ruth Sellers, and his treasured wife of 54 years, Nancy A. Sellers. He is survived by his children, Christy (Jason Harston) and Richard (Lisa Miller); grandchildren, Page (Matthew Haskell), Rachel (Jason Geminert), and Alexander.  

Martin grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and joined the U.S. Army through the ROTC program at Kent State University.  After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, he began active-duty service in Bremerhaven, Germany before he served an overseas tour of duty in Vietnam, where he was awarded The Bronze Star.  After he was honorably discharged from active service, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he rose to the rank of Major.  He later earned an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. 

Martin joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints later in life and faithfully served his congregation in multiple roles, always efficiently and with great integrity.  He had a deep love of genealogy work, and worshiping in The Columbus Ohio Temple.  

Martin was a voracious reader, particularly of military history, and a valued resource regarding ammunition reloading.  He produced thousands of rounds of reloads throughout his life, quietly recycling spent brass back into shells.  As a deeply committed gun safety advocate, he taught many Boy Scout troops throughout Ohio how to safely handle and respect firearms.  

Martin was a true patriot who was immensely proud of his country and deeply grateful for the liberty that many of his ancestors fought to defend, including those who served in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and especially his father who served four years in the Pacific theater during WWII. His years of work as an Election Day poll worker, a dedicated member of the volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and Census Worker epitomized that deep love of country.  

Martin’s family would like to sincerely thank all of those at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center who expertly and compassionately cared for him over the years.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System at https://www.va.gov/northeast-ohio-health-care/.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 25000 Westwood Rd, Westlake, Ohio, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., with light refreshments to follow. Interment will be private at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.   Livestream of the memorial service will be available via the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89279282232?pwd=WU9IZWdrTnZ5WDVWQ2ozTXRBWS9lZz09   Meeting ID: 892 7928 2232 Passcode: 856426   Bollinger Funeral Services is assisting the family.