Craig Louis “Louie” Martin, 71, of Casselberry, Florida, passed away Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Arbors of Mifflin skilled nursing facility in Mansfield, Ohio. He suffered a major heart attack in 2021 and also suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis for many years. He was born in Ashland, Ohio on January 17, 1951 to William and Beulah (nee Kopp) Martin.
“Louie” as he was fondly called, graduated Ashland High School in 1969; he dearly loved his high school reunions. After attending two years at The Ohio State University, he served in the U.S. Navy and worked in Nuclear Reactors. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved to Florida and received his undergraduate degree with honors at Florida Southern University. He finished his Master’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Central Florida and worked as a Psychologist at Polk County, Florida Schools with mentally challenged students who loved him. He was a 100% disabled military veteran.
Baseball was a love of his and he was a great baseball player. Louie’s severe rheumatoid arthritis eventually prohibited him from playing so he coached for many years in Central Florida. He was so well liked that a baseball field was named for him in Winter Springs, Florida and he later received the large ball field plaque when the field was remodeled. Many times, Louie was asked to sing the National Anthem at ball games, he sang at weddings, solos in the church choirs and he sang and played his guitar upon request quite often. He was a kind, good and smart man who said what he thought was the right thing and did not hesitate to do so. He was jokingly kind so folks were never offended. He was also a great chess player and was rarely beaten. He and his father-in-law, Ray L. Ison, would enjoy playing chess for hours.
Louie married Beverly K. Ison on July 19, 1980 in Ashland and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Justin S. Martin of Texas; granddaughters, Jade and Denna; his daughter, Anne E. Davis of Florida; grandsons, Brandon (Emily), Skyler (Megha) and Hunter; granddaughter, Shelbi (Ben); and great granddaughter, Raven. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Parker; niece, Claudia Shanks; nephews, Bill (who was like a brother) and Brian Shanks, all of Ashland. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Janette Aten; father-in-law, Ray L. Ison; sister-in-law, Raydena J. Ison; and brother-in-law, George Albert (“Chuck”) Mekoleske.
Louie and Bev were fortunate to travel the world in their younger years. They both loved traveling the United States from Maine to California, and also enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Canada and Europe, especially Paris, France. From driving on the Autobahn to international trains, they loved adventure. Bev spoke some French and Spanish; Louie spoke a bit of German and off they went!
Rheumatoid Arthritis greatly affected Louie’s life from the age of 23. He was determined to live a happy Christian life and he did. He also dearly loved animals. Instead of flowers, please donate to an animal shelter such as Cat Tail Corner, 1125 Saddle Run, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 (cattailcorneradoptions.org), The Cathouse Feline Sanctuary, 1130 E. Main Street, #136, Ashland, OH 44805 or The Humane Society of Ashland County, P. O. Box 14, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Thank you VA, the staff at Arbors Skilled Nursing Facility and Pathways Hospice for the wonderful care and love Louie received.
A private funeral and burial were previously held. The Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to have served the family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5