Orwin James Martin

Orwin Martin passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024 at home peacefully in his sleep at the age of 97. The son of the late Joseph and Mabel (LaBlanc) Martin was born October 19, 1926 in Bay City, Michigan. Orwin was one of the founding members of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. Orwin was very dedicated to his family, church and friends. He took pride in building his own home, was such a hard worker and could fix anything. He played the guitar, harmonica and piano. He loved his sweets and ice cream and just being with family. He also enjoyed classic cars and driving his award winning 1956 Chevrolet Bel-Air in car shows. He enjoyed trips to Branson, camping, family reunions, car shows, telling jokes and stories, he loved life itself and always had a smile on his face. Orwin retired from Dow Chemical Company in 1982 after working 37 years with outstanding service. On April 14, 1945 he married his wife of 67 years, the former, Dorothy Gary who he met and worked with at St. Laurent Brothers “The Nut House”. She preceded him in death on July 29, 2012.

Orwin is survived by his eight children, Marijane and Joe LeTourneau, Catherine Engel, Gloria and Carl Linzner, Chari Martin, Diane and Ken Chartier, Lori and Ted Binnall, O.J. Martin and Kim Bruzewski, his fiancée and Sue and Derek LeCronier; 17 grandchildren, Tricia, Kara, Jennifer, Jamie, Jeremy, Carla, Nick, Jodi, Craig, Lance, Darcy, Jim, Chris, Zac, Nate, Garrett and Wade; 41 great grandchildren, with two on the way and two great great grandchildren. Orwin was the last of the generation for both the Martin and Gary families. In addition to his parents and wife, Orwin was also preceded in death by one son-in-law, Larry Engel and eleven brothers and sisters, Edward Martin, Agnes Dion, Rose Krager, Joseph Martin, Frank Martin, Mabel Frasik, Lorwn Martin, Dayton Martin, Bernard Martin, Lucille McNamara and Roberta Behmlander.

Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. James Bessert with Rite of Committal following in St. Patrick Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the Gephart Funeral Home from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Orwin will be taken to the church to lie in state on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Memorial cards for the wishes of the family will be available at the funeral home.