George was born on January 9, 1944 in Marlington, WV to Kenneth and Shirley (Nelson) Martin, and was part of the first graduating class of Mapleton High School in 1963. He has three children who survive him, Brian (Teresa) of Ashland, OH, Brent of Phoenix, AZ, and Stacy (Kenny Bense) of El Mirage, AZ. He is also survived by two siblings: Thomas Martin of Tiro, OH and Linda Gilbert of Mansfield, OH, as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Before life took its usual hardened toll, George was a very active individual. In his early years he was an avid fastpitch softball player and played in church leagues and city leagues in the Ashland area and was well known as an outstanding catcher. When he was still able to do so he absolutely loved to play in the Huff-and-Puffer’s softball league reuniting with many old friends and teammates. He loved to golf and dabbled in archery and bowhunting for many years following his retirement.
George was also a very hard-working individual and he instilled that ethic in his children. He was a career individual to the end. From 1968 to 1977 he was a member of IBEW Local 71 and worked as a journeyman lineman for high-voltage contractors. From 1977 to 1985 he tried his hand at law enforcement and served the Ashland County community as a deputy sheriff. George rounded out his working days for Armstrong Utilities, a company he truly enjoyed, and was located in South Point, OH before retiring in 2007. Following his retirement, he relocated back to Ashland where he spent the remainder of his life.
George was a very kind man and was cordial to everyone he met, however he was ‘old-school’ in his beliefs and was not afraid to let anyone know. He had a great sense of humor and really loved to laugh. He enjoyed working on various projects from building a pole barn, deck, or tool shed. He was impeccably organized and had a place for everything he owned.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brothers Jeffrey and David as well as his sister Johnnie.
Per George’s wish no formal ceremony will be held at this time.
The family does suggest memorial contributions to: The Sedwick Charitable Foundation, One Armstrong Place, Butler, PA 16001.
The Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.
