MILFORD — Gerald W. Martin, 81, Milford, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, at Warsaw Meadows.
He was born Jan. 28, 1937, in Deer Creek, Ill., to John and Dorothy Wilson Martin. On March 28, 1992, Gerald married Sherry Root, who survives.
Gerald moved to the Milford area back in 1950 with his family and made this his home. He was a truck driver, eventually retiring from GNR Transport before working for the Kosciusko County Highway Department for several years.
Along with his driving career, Gerald was so much more. He would continue working on the family farm, as well as having his own lawn mowing business, and was a member of Wawasee Community Bible Church.
Gerald was a humble man with a servant’s heart, always willing to help family and friends however he could. He had a contagious smile and a wonderful sense of humor, always trying to find the lighter side of every situation. You could find him in his garden, mowing yards or working on his antique Farmall tractors. He especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family playing card or board games and enjoyed collecting many novelty items.
A loving father, husband, grandfather and friend, Gerald’s legacy will live on through all those he touched.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sherry; a son, Dave Martin (wife Vicki Nyce), Milford; a daughter, Brenda (husband Tom) Bulger, Milford; and two grandchildren, Matthew Bulger, Milford, and Michelle (husband Tyler) Owens, Cassopolis, Mich. Also surviving are three stepchildren: Glen (wife Tammy) Root, Greenfield; Ryan (wife Ann) Root, Boulder, Colo.; and Kellye (husband Eric) Hoerr, Fort Wayne; seven stepgrandchildren: Amber Root, Kathryn Root, Aaron Root, Sammy Root, Ethan Hoerr, Kyle Hoerr and Evon Hoerr; one brother, John Martin Jr., Milford; and three sisters: Ruth (husband Pete) Blaettner, Fort Wayne; Verla (husband Al) Suttor, Bremen; and Joyce Wolferman, Milford.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milford. Pastor Tom Speicher will officiate the service, with burial following in Milford Cemetery.
Visitation for Gerald will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
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Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Condolences may be extended at www.mishlerfhcc.com.
