Rev. Kenneth Gene Martin

Rev. Kenneth Gene Martin, age 80, of Richville, Ohio, was a humble man with a gentle, loving spirit who sought to “pass on God’s blessings and be a pointer to Jesus.” He considered everyone a brother or sister on this Earth, and treated everyone with the same respect and warm smile. Whenever there appeared a need, he would give of himself and whatever he had to help. He would give a ride to a stranded motorist or hitchhiker, taking the opportunity to listen and provide encouragement with their troubles. He would often bring people he had just met home to dinner or to stay, for a night, a week or months if that was the person’s need. His devoted wife, Roberta, never knew who or how many might be coming on any given day, but all were welcomed with the same warmth, generosity and open arms. All those fortunate enough to know him considered him one of their most trusted friends and someone who they could always count on to be there for them, regardless of the problem or time of day. He was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, on June 8, 1929, to Mary Estella [Shaffer] Martin and Howard William Martin. He attended Lockwood Grade School and Coventry High School. His boyhood days were spent exploring the Portage Lakes and doing odd jobs like mowing lawns and weeding gardens for extra money. Always a prankster who loved playing practical jokes, he also admitted to teasing his younger sister, Doris, and younger brother, Jim, every chance he got. Fortunately, his younger siblings did not hold a grudge, and he met the love of his life, Roberta, through them. At the age of 17, he joined the Army and graduated high school by taking the GED Equivalency test. After serving two years in the Army and obtaining a World War II Victory Medal, he returned home to Akron, Ohio. With the help of the GI Bill and various odd jobs, he graduated from Akron University with a business and accounting degree. He also joined the Air Force as an officer and worked in the Reserves. His initial goal was to work as an accountant, and Rev. Martin was employed as a credit manager in Bucyrus, Ohio for a short time. However, during these years, several major events caused him to reconsider his true calling: the death of a young pre-ministerial student in a gym accident; the minister saying, “Perhaps there is someone here that God will call to take his place;” the death of two close childhood friends; and, a severe car accident when he was 21 years old caused by a drunk driver. While enduring a slow and painful recovery from the car accident, he read the Bible and began to practice the principles of meditation and prayer. Through his faith, he found the strength to take and pass his final college exams only two weeks after the accident. Finally, his young bride, Roberta, was almost fatally injured by a speeding driver, and she became a witness to faith and God’s presence. Ken and Roberta then asked this question together: “What do we want to be doing when the Lord calls us home?” With his wife’s help and faith, he answered the call to the ministry and entered the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. While attending the seminary, he and his young bride were house parents to a brood of boys nine to 11 years old at the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans’ Home. Together they cared for boys with deep hurts and needs and were the first cottage to integrate housing at the orphanage. Rev. Martin’s first paid position as a minister was as the first Director of Christian Education at Lockwood Church in Akron during his senior year at the seminary. He recalled commuting by bus each week between Dayton and Akron and missing the closing service of Bible School because his bus was late. Rev. Martin was ordained in the Evangelical United Brethren Church and assigned as Pastor to the Celina Mt. Zion Church and the Rockford East Bethel Charge. Thereafter, he served as Pastor at Calvary Church in Benton Ridge and at the North Lima E.U.B. Church as it was being rebuilt. For over 35 years, he served as Chaplain at Heartland Psychiatric Campus, formerly Massillon State Hospital, in Massillon, Ohio. While ministering to the patients at the Heartland Psychiatric Campus, Rev. Martin also served as Pastor at Newcomer’s Chapel, formerly Pigeon Run United Methodist Church, in Brewster, Ohio. Unable to completely retire from his service in the ministry, he became Counseling Minister at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Massillon, Ohio, and Minister of Visitation at Church of the Savior United Methodist in Canton, Ohio. Rev. Martin expanded his ministry in the community through his numerous volunteer efforts, some of which included: Board Member of Western Stark County Red Cross and William McKinley Mental Health Society, Member of Massillon Community Hospital Pastoral Care Committee, and Founding Member of Make-A-Way Center, an outreach program in Massillon for psychiatric patients seeking to become independent members of the community. He has served as president and officer of various clergy and chaplain associations. He has also received numerous awards and recognition from the Governor, the State of Ohio and a number of cities and groups in Ohio for his tireless dedication to the ministry and volunteer work. As he worked with patients and families throughout the community, Rev. Martin realized he had much more to learn to truly help others. While working two jobs, raising his family, and volunteering to help friends and the community in general, he somehow found time to continue his education. He earned three Masters’ Degrees in Psychology and Counseling to better prepare him to counsel others. The start of the New Year in 1953 began a great love story when he married Roberta Ann [Hardgrove] Martin on January 1. They were best friends, partners and companions for over 56 years until Roberta joined loved ones in heaven in 2009. Kenneth and Roberta were forever devoted to each other. Their marriage was an example of true love. Rev. Martin was not only a devoted husband but also a loving father and grandfather. He and Roberta raised three girls, Sandra, Deborah and Jennifer. Some of his most joyous moments were spent visiting with his daughters, son-in-laws, and his grandchildren, Sean (son of Sandra and Gary Hudgins), Jessica (daughter of Charles Geragi and Deborah Martin), and Sabrina and Everly (daughters of Jennifer and Nicholas Spillios). When asked about his greatest accomplishments in life, he responded, “Having a wonderful family and good friends.” And he made friends everywhere. In addition to being with family and friends, he particularly enjoyed studying the Bible and memorizing Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. His favorite music was not only spiritual but also performed by his beloved brother, Jim, who is an accomplished jazz musician. His favorite movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” also described his perspective of living on this Earth. Rev. Kenneth Gene Martin went home to the Lord and his beloved wife, Roberta Ann Martin, on February 22, 2010. He passed away peacefully in Aultman Hospital’s Palliative Unit, in Canton, Ohio, while listening to a love song he wrote for his beloved and surrounded by his daughters. The Celebration of Rev. Martin’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 27, 2010, at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Rev. Melvin W. Lindberg will officiate. Rev. Martin’s final resting place will be beside his beloved wife and family at Coventry Cemetery, Manchester Road, in Akron, Ohio. Friends may call Friday from 6-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Refreshments will be provided. In lieu of flowers, make donations to your church or one of the churches mentioned. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Greeting him in heaven were countless family and friends, especially his beloved wife and helpmate, Roberta, his parents, Mary Estella Martin and Howard Martin, and his siblings, Donald Martin, Janet Martin and Doris [Martin] Hahn. He is survived by: his younger brother, James (“Jim”) Martin and Jim’s wife Elaine; his three daughters, Sandra Martin Hudgins, Deborah Sue Martin, and Jennifer Lynn [Martin] Spillios, and their families; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Judy Hardgrove; his sister-in-law, Kathryn [Hardgrove] Popio; and, a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family and special friends. Rev. Martin was fond of saying, “You know, Christians never really have to say goodbye,” and he looked forward to greeting everyone in heaven as family or friend. He would also want to tell you, the reader, that “goodbye” really means “God be with you.” So may God be with all of you and bless you … and point you all to heaven. Paquelet Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home (330)833-3222