Obituary of Carl L. Martin

Carl L. Martin, 84, formerly of Panama, NY and 75 Andrews Ave. in Jamestown, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, while residing at the Lutheran Retirement Home. A lifelong area resident, he was born March 30, 1934 in Warren, Pa., a son of the late Carl and Edna Amacher Martin. He spent his early years in the Clymer area and on June 11, 1955 married his wife, the former Marie Swart of Panama. Carl was a life member of the Panama Fire Department, and was a former Scoutmaster of the Harmony Troop 16 and 4-H leader for the Little Brokenstraws. He more recently was a member of the Harmony Senior Citizens and Jamestown Sertoma Club, having been named 'Sertoman of the Year' in 1997. Carl belonged to Bethel Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and on many committees over the years. He also worked diligently for the Bethel Academy Sports Boosters.People were Carl's life, having been a faithful and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to everyone he met. His favorite pastime was, together with his wife, traveling throughout the Southern Tier, to watch their grandsons play basketball, soccer, baseball, football and bowling. Carl was formerly employed by Ajax Iron Works in Corry, Pa., Proto Tool Co. and then worked as a self employed contractor for many years, having built numerous Barden Homes, mostly in Chautauqua. He and his late wife, Marie, also operated the former Lakeview Avenue Group Home for Children from 1985 to 1995. Following retirement, Carl worked part time for Lutheran Social Services. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Swart Martin, who passed away May 30, 2009; a son, Tracey Martin, who died April 15, 2018, and an infant son, Dean, in 1959. Surviving are four sons: Troy (Susan) Martin of Corning, NY, Brad (Denise) Martin of Lakewood, NY, Mako (Suki) Shimada of Osaka, Japan and Tony Somerville of Binghamton, NY; five grandchildren: Aaron (Gayle) Martin and Devon Martin, both of Washington, DC, Cory Martin of New York City, Mike (Tammi) Martin of Jamestown and Matt Martin of Kennedy, NY; and a great-granddaughter, Madison Martin. He is also survived by a sister, Betty Chambers of Florida and brother, Robert (JoAnn) Martin of Delaware; as well as many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2018, in Bethel Baptist Church. The Rev. James Read and Rev. Derrick Hicks will officiate. Burial will be in Open Meadows Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2018, in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church or Bethel Baptist Christian Academy, both 200 Hunt Road WE, Jamestown, NY 14701.