John Gares Martin Sr., Warsaw, passed away at 7:20 a.m. March 9, 2017, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw at the age of 87. He was born Dec. 12, 1929, in Canton, Ohio, to Catherine Angela Boylan Martin and William Earle Martin. On July 19, 1952 in Troy, Ohio he was married to Rose Marie “Okie” Brown Martin, who passed away Oct. 27, 2010. He received his B.A. in music from Bryan College, Dayton, Ohio, and received his Master’s Degree in religious education from Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake. He also earned his Master’s Degree in music education and doctorate in education from Ball State University, Muncie. He was a resident of Kosciusko County for over 60 years, and attended Warsaw Community Church. He is survived by his two daughters: Merry Adams, South Whitley; Crionna Rose “Crinky” Martin, Warsaw; a son, John G. (wife Paula) Martin Jr., South Whitley; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He also leaves behind his sister, Una Pfiendler, Dessert Hot Springs, Calif.; and a nephew, John Pfiendler, Kilauea, Hawaii. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. A private graveside service was conducted at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, on Friday. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. ***** Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
