Walter Martin, of Stratton, Ont., passed away peacefully to his heavenly reward on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at the age of 83 years, nine months, and 17 days, after a brief illness.
He was born Feb. 28, 1933 in Elmira, Ont. to the late Edward and Nancy Martin.
He gave his heart to the Lord in his youth and was baptized into the Mennonite Church. In 1971, he was ordained deacon for the Pineview Mennonite Church in Barwick, Ont., where he served faithfully until the time of his death.
On May 23, 1956, he was united in marriage to Nancy Shantz and they served the Lord together for 59 years. They were blessed with nine sons and six daughters.
He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his children, Jane Krahn of Stratton, Ont., Carl (Nancy) of Stratton, Ont., Gary (Faith) of Danskin, B.C., Lyle (Rebecca) of Long Prairie, Mn., Timothy (Donna) of Stratton, Ont., Judy (Glenn) Heatwole of Hitchins, Ky., Dennis (Carolyn) of Harriston, Ont., Steven (Nettie) of Vienna, Ont., James (Sharilyn) of Cove, Ore., Kevin (Joanna) of Stratton, Ont., Daniel (Loretta) of Danskin, B.C., Sharon (Darrell) Martin of Mine Centre, Ont., Eunice (Murray) Martin of Madoc, Ont., Arlene (Jonathan) Metzler of Austin, Man., and Rhoda (Daryl) Meck of Stratton, Ont.; 122 grandchildren; and 106 great-grandchildren.
He also is survived by one brother, Stewart (Luella) Martin, and seven sisters, Florence (Dan) Horst, Eileen (Leonard) Martin, MaryAnn (Oscar) Martin, Nancy (Carl) Wideman, Almeda (Leonard) Martin, and Ruth (Leonard) Metzger.
He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy; two brothers, Delton and Edward; one son-in-law, Ben Krahn; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at the Pineview Mennonite Church in Barwick.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec, 22, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Barwick Hall, with interment at the Pineview Mennonite Church Cemetery.
WALTER MARTIN
