Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Well, I've given it some thought and decided to fly home for Grandpa's funeral. I think it's something I will be sorry to miss out on if I don't go.

So I'm flying out Saturday morning and coming back Monday night. (The funeral is on Sunday.) Shouldn't be too difficult, and I have a few more days to heal up between now and then. The doctor says it's fine to go, so I will.

Here's the link to Grandpa's obituary in today's paper.

Ira Eber Martin, 91, of Columbiana passed away at 12:22 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at the Ivy Woods Care Center in North Lima, where he had resided for the last three months. Prior to that he had resided on Renkenberger Road, Columbiana.

Ira was born March 1, 1918 in Wayne County, Ohio, the son of the late William and Anna (Lehman) Martin.

In earlier years Mr. Martin raised laying hens and sold eggs on a retail route in Youngstown. He later owned and operated Martin's Auto Body Shop from his home for 25 years and also worked at G.M. Lordstown plant from where he retired in 1979.

He was a member of the Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana.

Ira enjoyed walking in the woods, hunting, fishing and observing nature. He also liked reading, traveling, classical and sacred music as well.

Ira is survived by his wife, Martha (Weaver) Martin whom he married on Jan. 21, 1943. He is also survived by daughters, Naomi "Molly" (John) Hostetler of Columbiana, Lucille (John) Clark of Washingtonville, Charlotte (William) Beck of Berlin Center, Kathy (Bill) Schroedel of Silver Lake, Carol Moser of Austintown; sons, Lowell (Doris) Martin of Strasburg, Colo., Ronald (Patty) Martin of Warren, Lawrence (Lucia) Martin of Leavittsburg; 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Martin, and two brothers, Daniel and Harvey Martin.

Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana, Ohio.

Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, Columbiana, and also one hour prior to the service Sunday, Aug. 2, at the church.

Family suggests material contributions be made to Midway Mennonite Church, 13376 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Columbiana, OH 44408.