Francis Martin

Francis Martin
Francis William Martin was born on July 11, 1934 in Midland, Michigan to his loving parents Cletys Martin and Elizabeth (Lambie) Martin.
Fran went to Midland High School and graduated in 1952. He continued his education at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland , Ohio, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering. During his time at Case, he entered their Air Force ROTC program and was an active member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Following his graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and upon his honourable discharge, obtained the rank of Captain. For a short time before serving our country he worked for The Dow Chemical Corporation in Midland.
Fran married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Oblender of Bay City on July 14, 1956 and in October of the same year entered into the Air Force. During their time together in the Air Force, he and Betty found and loved the sport of curling. This love for curling carried onto Midland where they were founding members of the Midland Curling Club that is still enjoyed today by the Midland community.
Following his three years of active duty, he left the Air Force to resume working for Dow. During his 30 year tenure, he had assignments in Midland, Gales Ferry, Connecticut and Ludington, Michigan where he retired in 1986.
Fran was a member of Lions International and an active amateur radio operator for over 20 years. After retirement, Fran found repairing clocks to be an enjoyable hobby which he pursued for the next 32 years along with volunteering at Midland's Meals on Wheels for eight years.
Fran was an active member of the Free and Accepted Masons wherever he lived and most recently was a member of Centre Lodge 273 F.A.M. in Midland, Scottish Rite Valley of Bay City, and Elf Khurafeh Shrine of Saginaw, Michigan.
All of Fran's life, he served our Lord and Savior Jesus and lived this example for his children. Whether teaching Sunday School, assisting with leading his church's youth groups, participating in Life Groups or accepting the responsibilities of his church's Missions, Deacons and Elders, Fran was all in. Most recently, he was a member of the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Midland.
Fran will be dearly missed by his son's Tim and Tammy (O'Brien) Martin, Bob and Sue (Walker) Martin, daughter Ruth (Larry) Stanos, and son Tom and Ann (Sanborn) Martin, along with 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Fran was proceeded in death by his sister Mary (Martin) Hinson and his parents.
Funeral Services for Fran will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1310 Ashman St., Midland. with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Matthew W. Schramm and Wallace H. Mayton will officiate, with graveside burial rites in Midland Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street in Midland on Thursday from 3 p.m., concluding with a 7 p.m. Masonic memorial service conducted by the Midland Centre Lodge #273 F & AM.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ware-Smith Woolever Funeral Home of Midland, Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors | Midland & Reese, MI (wswfh.com)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Memorial Presbyterian Church or Mission Aviation Repair Center (MARC) of Soldotna, Alaska.