Winfred Clarence Martin

RICHMOND, Ind. – Winfred Clarence Martin, age 87, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Reid Health.
Born August 7, 1937, in Huntland, Tennessee, to William and Velma Seabolt Martin, Win grew up on the south side of Chicago, graduated from Chicago Vocational High School, and promptly enlisted in the US Navy, where he was stationed in the Pacific for four years. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Win decided he wanted to spend some time on dry land, so he enlisted in the US Army, where he served as a radio operator stationed on the Berlin Wall in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Chicago, where he met the love of his life, Marilynn Magnus. Win and Marilynn wed in April of 1966 and made their home on the south side, eventually living in Lansing, IL, for 35 years, raising two children, Mandy and Ed. Upon their retirement, Win and Marilynn lived their dream of a leisurely island life on Pine Island, Florida. Eventually - and reluctantly - they said goodbye to their many wonderful friends on the island and moved closer to family, settling in Richmond, across the street from their son, Ed, and his family, which has been a true blessing.
Win dedicated himself to a career in the steel industry as a quality control supervisor. His thirst for knowledge led him to attend school at night, earning an Associate's degree in Computer Science from Purdue University Calument. His family often described him as "perpetual motion," and it's rumored that the Energizer Bunny was modeled after Win. Marilynn liked to say that he had the mind of an engineer and the heart of an artist, just as comfortable planting and nurturing hollyhocks in one of his beloved gardens as he was under the hood of a car. Every house that he and Marilynn lived in was in a constant state of remodeling, and he passed those skills onto his children, who to this day know how to install a toilet, grow beans, and hot wire a car (in case of emergency only). He got a kick out of playing Santa Claus every Christmas (no padding needed!) to the delight of his family, neighborhood friends, and eventually his beloved grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. In addition to spoiling his grandchildren, he enjoyed spoiling five lovable but ill-behaved dogs over 40 years: Muffie, Sam, Moe, Ralph, and Daisy.
Win was a man of great generosity and humility, even in his death, giving others the gift of comfort and life through organ donation. His selfless act will continue to inspire those who knew him. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Richmond.
Win is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilynn Magnus Martin; daughter Amanda (Matthew) Boyle; son, Edward (Jennifer) Martin; grandchildren Kelsey Martin, Joseph Magnus Boyle, Charles Martin Boyle, and Jack Martin; sister, Mary Jean Simmons; nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous special friends. His love for his family was unwavering and he cherished every moment spent with them. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Velma, brothers James David Martin, Leslie Wayne Martin, and Oscar Robert Martin, and loving in-laws Oscar and Helen Magnus.
Funeral services for Winfred Clarence Martin will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond on Saturday, October 5, at 12:30pm. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity near and dear to Win's heart: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, c/o Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the online guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com, where you can share your memories of Winfred and offer your support to the family.