Michael D. Martin

With a journey that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Michael Martin lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He was known for his strong work ethic throughout his life, and much of what he knew was self taught. Michael was a loving and devoted family man who treasured his roles as a husband and father, however, he just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandfather later in life. With his quick wit and contagious sense of humor, he made life so much fun. Although life will be forever different without Michael here, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were serving in WWII. With the end of the war in 1945, these servicemen and women were returning home, and rationing became a thing of the past. During the transition of becoming a nation at peace once again, Robert D. and Patricia I. (Harris) Martin were excited for the birth of their new baby as November dawned in Warsaw, Indiana, in November of 1949. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Michael D. drew his first breath on November 15th. Michael was one of fivechildren as he was raised on the family farm alongside his sisters, Chris,Janet andDeb,and his brother, James. They raised pigs on their farm, and from the time he was a young boy Michael learned to fix things as they broke around the farm. He attended local schools including Warsaw High School.

After graduating from high school in 1968, Michael was eager and ready for all that life had in store. He went on to an electrical institution in Kentucky, Louisville Institution of Electronics. After graduating,Michael returned to Indiana to work at Magnavox/ Raytheon for over 30 years, remaining there as the company changed names and ownership. He also did contract work with USSI in Columbia City.

In the midst of establishing his career and already becoming a father to his daughter Kimberly, Micheal met the woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Carol Osborn, after being introduced by his sister. Micheal and Carol dated for the ten years that followed, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married on May 16, 1987, at the house on Big Lake that they called home for the rest of Michaels life. He loved everything about lake living as he loved swimming, boating, and just relaxing on the water. Michael and his family lived there year round. For years he was a board member for Tri-Lakes Sewer District and Tippecanoe Watershed. Michael was also active with the Big Lake Association.

Throughout his life, Michael was a man of many interests. Someone who enjoyed the outdoors, he loved spending time out in the woods and snowmobiling during the winter. Michael was a NASCAR fan and loved watching the Colts. He even bought season tickets when they moved to Indianapolis for the first 10 years. They also attended the inaugural NASCAR race for the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis. Michael loved animals, and over the years he treasured the companionship of his many pets. Since he was good with fixing things, he liked tinkering around and listening to music. A Jimmy Buffet fan, Michael enjoyed attending his concerts. Later in life, he was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather to his grandson, Gamble, whom he adored.

All who knew Michael Martin would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He had a contagious zest for life, and everyone who knew him loved his quick wit and sense of humor. Always on the lookout for a good time, Michael lived life to the fullest each day. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Michael D. Martin, of Columbia City, passed away at 7:55 a.m. Thursday, October 19, 2017, at his home on Big Lake. Michaels family includes his wife, Carol Martin; daughter, Kimberly (Greg) Carlson, of Westfield; grandson, Gamble Westfield; sisters, Chris (Mark) Vandewalle, of Pierceton, Janet Best and Debora (Dallas) Morrison, both of Warsaw; brother, James (Rebecca) Martin, of Manassas, VA; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 2017, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday with visitation one hour prior. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation or Heartland Hospice. Visit www. DeMoneyGrimes.com to send his family condolences online.