MARTIN
David Bowman
4.29.1923 West Salem, Ohio - 3.1.2016 Columbus, Ohio
David B. Martin passed peacefully on March 1. His loving family surrounded him and enjoyed his wonderful company during this period of declining health, following a major cardiac rupture in November. His family treasured these past 3 months of bonus time with Dave, enjoying the many moments of conversation, laughter and memories together. Through his final days, Dave maintained a genuine interest, engaging humor, and kind respect for others. At the Trillium, he was known by many as “coach,” and true to his nature as the consummate coach, he managed to get all who met him on his team. Dave kept a positive, encouraging, generous, delightful attitude throughout his remarkable life, and he showed us, by example many wise lessons to live by. David “B is for Beautiful” Martin was/is a precious gift for all who knew and loved him.
Preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Lemon Martin; father, Robert Henry Martin; siblings, Robert Howard Martin (Metta), Jane Francis Griffin; beloved daughter, Nancy Martin; cherished wife of 66 years, Virginia Black Martin. Survived by children, Richard Martin (Joann) of Denver, CO, Jeannie Colner (James) of Columbus, David Martin (Patty) of New Albany; grandchildren, Robert Colner (Emma) of El Cerrito, CA, David Colner (JuLee) of Brooklyn, NY, Joannie D'Andrea (Nick) of Columbus, Andrew Martin of Los Angeles, CA, Brian Martin of Denver, CO, Eric Martin of Columbus, Ellen Martin of Wittenberg University, and Grace Martin of Denison University; nephews, Robert H. Martin of Charlotte, NC and Jeff (Suzanne) Griffin of Goshen, IN; niece, Amira Sewell of California; Sally Bennett of Elyria, OH, who introduced her cousin David to her lovely Allegheny College roommate, Virginia; and Bill Briggs, faithful and most dear friend to Dave and family.
Education: West Salem High School - 1940; BS Degree BGSU 1947; MS Degree BGSU 1952; Ed SP Degree BGSU 1965.
Military Service: 1943-1946; Honorable Discharge First Lt. 11th Airborne Division.
Education career - retired in 1984 following fourteen years as Executive Director of the Ohio School Boards Association. Superintendent of Schools BCS in Oak Harbor 1962-1967; Superintendent Eastland Career Center in Franklin County 1967-1970; Interim Superintendent Ohio High-Point Career Center 1988, Mechanicsburg School District 1989, Swanton School District 1996.
American government teacher, football coach, track coach - Oak Harbor High School 1947-1955; teacher, football coach, Perrysburg High School - 1955-56; Supervisor Health, PE and Athletics and football coach, Cuyahoga Falls High School - 1956-1962; North All Star coaching staff for Ohio North-South All Star Football Classic 1953 and again in 1959.
President, Ohio School Management Services 1984-2000. Served as Facilitator for Strategic Planning for Perkins School District, Margaretta School District and Apollo Career Center.
Past President, Rotary Club of Oak Harbor; Court Investigator, Ottawa County Probate Court; BGSU College of Ed. 1983 Alum of the year; Board member BGSU Alumni Association; Board member Ottawa County Transitional Housing; Director Delta Dental of Ohio; Board of Trustees, Ottawa County Community Foundation; BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame; Past Commander American Legion Post 114; State Superintendent Association's Distinguished Service Award; Ex Officio, National School Boards Association Board of Directors; Chairman Oak Harbor United Methodist Church Foundation; Residents Council member for Trillium Independent Living Facility Columbus, Ohio.
Publications: “Long-Range Planning Guide for School Districts”, “Enrollment of Credit Deficient, Students in Job Training Programs”, “Management Team Concept of Operating Schools”, “So now you're a School Board member” (video), “The Three R's of School Management (video)”
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at the Oak Harbor United Methodist Church on April 9 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Military Graveside Service, and reception at the OH Methodist Church. Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Oak Harbor, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at
walkerfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, suggested donation may be made to the Oak Harbor United Methodist Church, 360 E. Ottawa St., Oak Harbor, OH 43449, or the Virginia B. Martin Dyslexia Scholarship Fund, the Columbus Foundation, 1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205.
As published in The Blade

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Martin

12 Entries

Larry Oatman

December 29, 2016

Dear David B.
You were the best damn boss I ever had and a great mentor, OSBA 1970-1975.

March 11, 2016

My sincere condolences to Dave's family
He surely was a role model for all of us.
Pat McNicol - 1995 OSBA President

Chet Schafer

March 10, 2016

My Condolences to the Martin Family. I only knew "Coach" as the Coach at Oak Harbor H.S. playing for Port Clinton against his teams for 4 years. A few days after my High School Graduation Coach came to my folks home on Catawba Island and wanted to talk. He had written a letter of recommendation for me to attend Bowling Green State University, and with his assistance I attended. (I finished my education at UCLA after moving to California). What a "Great Man" to do something like that. I last saw Coach at a PC-OH Football Game about 20 years ago and got to Thank Him again for his assistance. God Bless You, and May You Rest in Peace Coach.

Rick Dickinson

March 9, 2016

So many great memories of Dave, so many lessons learned from him. Dave hired me at OSBA in 1977 and taught me much about how to conduct oneself in the business world. He believed in giving people fast, accurate information to lead them toward the desired end.
We worked hard and played with enthusiasm. We shared a love of sports, Scotch and golf. I will miss him as will so many.

Tom Banchich

March 8, 2016

Mr. Martin had an immense influence on my life and I treasure the time I was able to spend around him and his family. I still have the buckeye he gave me during a 1992 visit to OH in the top drawer of my office desk. My condolences to the entire Martin family.

Kathleen Roberts

March 8, 2016

I was The OSBA Journal editor 1970-75, and have so many wonderful memories of not only Dave but also Bob Baker, Dr. Fox, Dr. Essex and the OSBA staff and the staff at ODE. It was a wonderful time in my career and my life. My deepest condolences to his wonderful family and friends.

Pudge Thayer

March 7, 2016

Condolences to the family. David B. (as in beautiful) Martin was a giant among men. I'm proud to say he was my coach, mentor, and long time friend. Rest in peace David B. with your beloved wife Ginny, the other beautiful one. Thanks coach for making the world a better place.

March 5, 2016

Bob BAKER and Dave Martin are harmonizing in Heaven, "There's no Tomorrow; there's just today!" just like they used to at Columbus' Clock Restaurant years ago.

Bob Colner

March 5, 2016

My fondest memories of my Grandfather was visiting him and grandma in the summer and christmas in in Oak Harbor, OH. Lots of life lessons to be learned watching how he treated his wife and interacted with us grandkids. Attempting to teach me to fish, visiting the zoo, and lake and other norther Ohio attractions. Even picking-up sticks and collecting buckeye nuts in the backyard were made fun with Granmps. We miss you dearly.

Meryl Greunke

March 5, 2016

Grateful memories fill our thoughts at the mention of his name. He stood for excellence in all areas of our lives! We didn't realize at the time how he would affect our lives so dramatically. He knew how to redirect your thinking when you were missing the point required. He went about affecting the world for the better in his career and personal life. With joy in our soul we stop to treasure having had the good fortune of having known him. A Father figure to most of us--may he rest in peace.

Tim Quilter

March 4, 2016

I remember Mr. Martin when he spent just one year in Perrysburg. However, I will never forget him, or his terrific family. I last saw him in 1970. His son, Dick was a wonderful friend, and I will never forget the winning season that he started at Perryssburg High School in Football. This was the start of PHS winning tradition that last to this day. I will never forget the Sunday afternoons watching the film of the previous Friday's games. He really inspired me to get into sports, and it saved me from getting into a life of juvenile delinquency. I was inspired also by his service to our nation in WWII, and I so badly wanted to hear his story, but sadly that was too late.

To be sure - he is resting in peace, and with his God. He had the fullest life that could ever be imagine. May I extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Martin Family.

Dick Mylander

March 4, 2016

TO ALL,
Dave was a great coach,friend,mentor to all of us who were fortunate to have been there when he was the coach at Oak Harbor H.S. !!!!!! And for years after he kept us all together with his wonderful emails!
He showed us how to grow up to be good people, good parents, and most importantly to care for all the people around us !
God bless his soul, keep him close, and take care of his family in the days
ahead
Dick Mylander

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results