Elmer "Red" Martin

Red grew up at Buckeye Lake, and was a graduate of Hebron HS where he was captain of his teams and Valedictorian. He had a magical childhood growing up near Buckeye Lake. He worked at the Crystal Ball Room where he got to see all the top bands of the day, meet musical greats like Stan Kenton, Tommy Dorsey (even shook hands with Harry James), and where he met his wife, Flouise, of 67 years. He was extremely proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in London, England, at Mather Air Force Base, and in California. He loved playing and following golf. He played at most of the very famous golf courses, and his only regret in life was not playing in Scotland. He attended The Ohio State University studying Engineering. He hitch-hiked to school during his first year. A prominent education was always meaningful to him, in which he greatly encouraged his children and grandchildren. Red was preceded in death by his son, Scott Alan Martin; parents, Albert and Bessie Martin; sisters, Gladys (Danny) Watchinsky, Minnie (Robert) McDonald, Eileen (Gerald) Wilson, Ruth Ellen (William) Eades; and brother, Earl Martin. Red is survived by his beloved wife, Florence “Flouise” Martin; daughter, Barbara Martin Free; grandchildren, Emily and Keegan Free; and great-grandchild, Neena Free. He worked for 22 years at Burgess and Niple right after he got out of school, which allowed his family to live in Coronado, California, Peoria, Illinois, and Virginia, near the capitol, but Grove City is where he raised his family. He was an avid Buckeye, proud GCHS Band Booster, member of GCUM Church. He was then promoted to President of Garden State Water Company, where he worked for 3 years before his retirement in 1991. He loved to travel all over the USA with his young family and later he and Flouise traveled all over the globe, seeing the most fascinating places. Later wintering in Florida and Arizona to enjoy golf and good weather. He had an amazing 93 years enjoying his two children, even bike riding to Bridgeport, Ohio in 1976 where they would visit grandparents. He was always up for spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren and great granddaughter. He was a very generous man, always sharing the best of everything with his family and friends. He always taught important life lessons and expected honesty and integrity from his children and grandchildren, which was prominent to his character. Red loved to be outdoors, favored exercise, and appreciated the complex sounds of classical and “Big Band” music. In his later years, he developed a deep admiration for country-western music, and listened to stars such as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings often. Red will always live on in the family through memories, lessons and his music. Services will be at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell Sunday, January 7, 2023. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 PM with a Memorial Service at 3 PM.

Elmer "Red" Martin

July 17, 1930 - December 24, 2023