Ronald Richard “Dick” Martin, age 92, of Wellston, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, at Edgewood Manor in Wellston. He was born Nov. 9, 1928, in Springfield, Ohio, son of the late Earl and Ellen (Denney) Martin. Dick had a fascinating career in the military. At the young age of 15, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Europe as a tank gunner. Dick reenlisted in the military at the age of 18, this time joining the United States Navy, from which he retired following 27 years of service. During his military career, Dick served his country in WWII, Korea and Vietnam as a US Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate. His long service on the flight deck gained him the nickname “Pappy.” Dick was a member of the American Legion Post 371 of Wellston, V.F.W. Post 9092 of Wellston, and a life member of the Fleet Reserve Association.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Christine and John Ricci of Greensboro, NC; 2 grandchildren, Lisa Ricci, John Michael Ricci and their spouses, of Wilmington, NC; as well as 4 great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Hardy Martin in 1997.
Calling hours will be Saturday, Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Sunday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Jones officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery. The family requests that those attending the visitation and funeral service to please wear a mask. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com