John M. Martin

John M. Martin, 91, of Clinton, passed away March 2, 2011.

John was born in Barberton on May 6, 1919, the third child of Anthony and Elizabeth Martin. He was a resident of the Barberton, New Franklin area all his life. He attended Barberton and Norton schools until the onset of World War II, when he left high school to enlist in the Armed Forces and participated in the Allied invasion of Europe. He was a part of the 8th Infantry Division, Artillery. During his tour of duty he was awarded 4 bronze stars and a Purple Heart. In 2001 John was awarded an honorary high school diploma from Norton High School.

John married the love of his life, Helen Glass, in 1941 before enlisting in the military. When he returned from the service in 1945, he and his father, who was a brick layer, built a home on Kungle Road in Clinton. John and Helen happily remained in that home all their lives, and were avid gardeners. They had no children, but loved their many dogs and cats over the years and were active in the lives of their nieces and nephews and their respective families.

Helen Martin passed away in 2006. Preceding John In death also were his brother and two sisters, Tony Martin of Florida, Julia Offenbeher of Akron, and Kathryn Lingel of Norton.

John was employed at the Ohio Brass Company in Barberton for 40 years, retiring in 1975. He had been a member of St. George's Parish in Clinton.

John is survived by two nieces, Sue Deis (David) of Wadsworth; and Karen Lingel of Massillon; nephews Frank Offenbeher of Akron, and Frank A. Lingel (Debbie) of Wadsworth. Also surviving are Uncle John's favorite "kids" Tammy (Lingel) Nemchev of Barberton, and Aimee and Dane Lingel of Wadsworth.

The family wishes to thank Magnolia Village in Wadsworth, and Odyssey Hospice for their very good care of John in his final days.

Funeral Service will be Monday, March 7, 1:00 p.m. at the Ivy Chapel, Greenlawn Memorial Park, with the Rev. Daniel Cammarn officiating. Calling hours will be 1 hour prior to services at Silva-Hostetler Funeral Home, 1199 Wooster Rd. W. Barberton.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions in John's memory to: The Humane Society of The United States, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington DC 20037.