Walter Richard “Dick” Martin, age 93, of Wellston, passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at the Holzer Medical Center in Jackson, Ohio. He was born Dec. 7, 1926 in Wellston, Ohio to the late Alva Vernon Martin and Edna Mae McNaughton Martin.
Dick was a 1944 graduate of Wellston High School and a veteran of the United States Army who served during WW II. Following over 40 years of employment, Dick retired in 1986 from McNally-Pittsburg Manufacturing in Wellston, where he served as their production manager. He was an artisan who excelled in woodworking and painting, and he also enjoyed reading, as well as watching The Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball teams and the Cincinnati Reds. Dick was a member of the former Trinity United Methodist Church in Wellston.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Virginia A. Davis Martin, whom he married on Oct. 28, 1944; children, Sandra S. Balzer of Jackson, Walter Richard Martin, Jr. (Carolina) of Columbus, Edward J. Martin (Terri) of Wellston, Kenneth Bryan Martin (Bonnie) of Wellston, and Deanna F. Derrow of Wellston; daughter-in-law, Jean Martin of Wellston; along with 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his son, Robert W. Martin; grandson, W. Rich Martin; sisters, Clara Deck and Mary Edna Conley; brother, Vernon Martin; infant brother, Joseph Martin; and beloved pets and companions, Trixie and Cricket.
Funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston with Pastor Susan Keaton officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Dick’s memory be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or Hope United Methodist Church, 219 East First Street, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com