Herman M. Martin

Herman M. Martin, 88, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, Herm was the eldest of three boys, attended Jefferson High School where he played football and baseball, then joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation and served honorably for 3 ½ years. In 1956 he married Barbara Jo Pitman, working full time as an ad editor for the Journal & Courier newspaper and part time as a shoe salesman to support his wife and family of 2 children. In 1968 he moved to Fort Wayne where he spent the rest of his career as a pharmaceutical sales representative with G.D. Searle. After his marriage to Beverly in 1976, they blended a family of 4 children, spending summer fishing vacations together in Minnesota for 30+ years. Herm was a hard worker and led a very active life. His hobbies and activities were numerous, including racquetball, woodworking, fishing, DIY projects, music (Southern Gospel & Bluegrass). His #1 hobby was fishing, which he pursued as often as possible. He was a rabid sports fan, especially Purdue football & basketball and the Chicago Cubs. After a profound encounter with Jesus Christ, Herm made a lifetime commitment of Christian faith in 1991, which led to his involvement as a youth group leader at Fellowship Missionary Church in Fort Wayne, where he mentored and led teens for several years on mission trips, outings and all activities surrounding the youth ministry. He also was an elder at Fellowship Missionary Church, serving in roles of benevolence, finance, prayer and missions work projects. Perhaps Herm’s proudest times were those spent with family on vacations and attending his grandchildren’s sports games, school events, baptisms, graduations, birthday’s, weddings or ANYTHING his grandchildren and great grandchildren were doing! His life of service to friends, family and to God left an enormous impact and he will be greatly missed. His earthly journey is over and now we await the heavenly reunion we all will have with him. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Beverly A. Martin; children, Craig (Kim) Martin, Karen (William) Ritter, Michael (Jodee) Keleman, and Laura (John) Wassell; seven grandchildren, Robert Ritter, John (Whitney) Wassell, Andrea Ritter, Craig Wassell, Eric (Samantha) Martin, Audrey (Corey) Stein, and Irene Martin; four great-grandchildren, Jackson Wassell, Halle Wassell, Otto Herman Martin, and Cornelia Martin; and brothers, Daniel Martin and Jaydee Martin. A Celebration of Life time of gathering and visitation will be on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Fellowship Missionary Church, 2536 East Tillman Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46816. A Celebration of Life service will be on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11:00 am at the church, with a time of gathering and visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Please visit www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals to leave condolences for the Martin Family.