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BORN
1930
DIED
2018
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Ernest Martin Obituary
Dec. 24, 1930 - Oct. 21, 2018
NILES, MI - Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ernest E. Martin, 87, of Niles, passed away on October 21, 2018, peacefully at his home.
Ernest was born December 24, 1930 to Jesse and Melba L. (Stone) Martin in Bald Knob, Arkansas. He served honorably for two years in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Joann Fred in Angola, Indiana on May 1, 1954. They celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage while raising their three children together.
After serving in the military Ernest worked at and retired from Buchanan Steel in Buchanan, Michigan. Ernest looked forward to Sunday Mass and enjoyed participating in church functions at Christ the King and Healthwin. Ernest was also a diehard Notre Dame football and Green Bay Packer fan. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling.
He also loved to work crossword puzzles and watch the Mollie B Polka Party show. He had a passion for gardening and growing tomatoes, hot peppers, and okra. For many years he loved to golf, doing so just two weeks ago.
Throughout his life he was also a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans organizations. His patriotism was undeniable.
Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Martin and Melba Moody; his beloved wife, Joann on March 18, 2018; grandson, Joseph E. Martin; and brothers, Johnny and Douglas Martin.
Ernest is survived by his three children, Pamela (Danny) Meehan of Maricopa, Arizona, Ernest “Marty” E. (Julie) Martin II, and Brian T. (Alexis) Martin of South Bend; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Seth Freyer (Marleigh), Sarah Snyder (Nathaniel, Emma Grace, Abigail), Cecilia Martin (Alex, Olivia), Lia Martin (Niya), Jasmine Martin (Gabe Seastrom), all of South Bend, Deven Martin of Niles, Genesis Martin of South Bend, Ryzen and Braiya Martin of Lacey, Washington; a brother, Carl Martin of Arkansas, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation will be on Thursday evening, October 25, 2018, from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018, at Christ the King Church, 52473 S.R. 933 in South Bend, Indiana, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Michael Belinsky officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Army at the conclusion.
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Healthwin Specialized Care facility, 20531 Darden Rd., South Bend, IN 46637.
Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for Ernest's family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Martin
Sponsored by Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Niles.
2 Entries
October 25, 2018
For Ernie's family, I am so sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. I am sure he is with Joan and they will continue watching over you. The things I will remember of Ernie is his laugh. It was as if a little boy had escaped. This giddish look would be on his face, and then his laughter would roll out. He always had a smile. His voice was unique. It was a soft, lower, almost with a gravel sound. I think I would call him a gentle giant of a man. Your family has had a great loss this year. I can only wish you well and say a prayer for that heart ache to soften as the memories stay strong.
Joe and Cathy White
Kathy and Jeff Bolton
October 25, 2018
We will miss our great friend Ernie. He was so special and kind to us and always shared a good joke and always a story about the Green Bay Packers. Wishing you peace and love, Ernie, and so happy you and your lovely wife can dance together again. We will miss you and always love you.
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Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Niles521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120
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