Samuel Martin

1984 - 2026

Samuel Martin

Samuel Peter Creagh Martin, age 41, passed away on January 22, 2026, at Flower Hospital. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on April 13, 1984, to Jacqueline Anne (Poole) Martin and the late Donald Creagh Martin, MD.

A graduate of Ottawa Hills High School (Class of '02) and Gettysburg College (Class of '06) with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Sam traveled the world and spent significant time living in Mendoza, Argentina, where he studied as a college student, Xi'an, China, where he taught English at a Chinese middle school, and Los Angeles, California, where he pursued a career in music, but he always found himself coming back home to Toledo.

Sam was a kind and gentle soul whose gift for music was discovered at an early age, as his parents and teachers helped him harness his perfect pitch and hone his ability to play and compose music of many kinds, blending influences and genres in a style that was all his own.

He starred in plays and musicals in both high school and college, and performed his music at countless venues as both a solo act and as a member of various rock bands. In his early thirties, he produced an album with his brother, Joe, called "Blue 62," which they recorded primarily at the famed Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood, and released in 2017 under his stage name, Sam Cray.

As Sam shared his gifts with everyone, he also battled bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, which gave him uncommon insights and enriched his creativity, but also challenged his capacity to maintain an orderly life and consistently connect with the people he loved. But it didn't stop him from loving all people with his whole heart, and it didn't stop his friends and family from loving him right back.

Sam is survived by his mother; and his brothers, Scott Dinger and Joe (Suzie) Martin; and his three nephews, Avery, Beckett, and Bobby Martin; as well as his aunts, Rosemary, Grace, and June; his uncle, Frank; and numerous loving cousins.

Sam was preceded in death by an infant sister, Nancy Elise Martin; and his father.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 30th, at 2 p.m., at St. Michael's in the Hills Episcopal Church, Ottawa Hills, with the burial on Saturday, January 31st, at 10 a.m., at Toledo Memorial Park.

Sam's mother would like to express special thanks to the staff at Flower Hospital's Emergency Room and Psychiatric Department, Dr. Ahmed and the staff of Harbor Behavioral Health, and the caring officers of the Ottawa Hills Police Department.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, to help put musical instruments into the hands of children at public schools in need. Donations may be mailed to 2550 N Hollywood Way #302, Burbank, CA 91505.

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