Martin Peter Lokai, a faithful, hard-working, and humorous man, passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 100. Born on September 8, 1925, Martin was a resident of Dayton, Ohio, and lived a life full of devotion to his family, work, and community.
Martin's early education was completed at Bath High School, from which he graduated in 1943. He furthered his education by obtaining an Associates Degree from the University of Dayton. His career was marked by his role as a time study engineer, having worked at Price Brothers, NCR, and Hobart. Despite his professional endeavors, Martin remained a farmer throughout his life, witnessing the evolution of farming from horse-drawn implements to modern technology.
In matters of the heart, Martin was a bachelor until he met his beloved wife, Helen, a widow with eleven children. They married on August 24, 1963, and together they welcomed two more children, building a large and loving family.
A man of many interests, Martin enjoyed farming, hiking, and doing crossword puzzles. He was keen on keeping abreast of current affairs and paid close attention to daily changes in the farm and stock markets. He had a mathematical mind and loved to measure things with precision; be that time or a piece of wood he used to craft cabinets and shelves..
A lifelong member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Fairborn, Ohio, Martin's faith was a cornerstone of his life. In his youth, he attended St. Adalbert Catholic Church in Dayton, Ohio, until his family moved to the Adams Road Farm in 1933.
Martin is survived by his children: Bill Wourms (Ana Pan) of San Ramon, California; Connie Buchert (Peter) of Casstown, Ohio; Margery Waggood (Clay) of Anchorage, Alaska; Kathy Rogers (Roy -deceased) of Centerville, Ohio; Paul Wourms of Dayton, Ohio; Susan Harrison (Jim) of New Lebanon, Ohio; Larry Wourms (Tammy) of Evansville, Wisconsin; Jerry Wourms (Debby) of Richmond, Indiana; Jane Runck (Clay) of Dacula, Georgia; Barbara Kelley (Bob) of Columbus, Ohio; and Deborah Bischof of Kettering, Ohio. He was also blessed with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen; son Robert Wourms and daughter Diane Wourms; his grandson, Dane Wourms and his granddaughter, Cayla Buchert.
Visitation will be held at Burcham Tobias Funeral Home, 119 East Main Street, Fairborn, OH, on November 16, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by a Rosary Service from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mary, Help of Christians Catholic Church, 954 N Maple Ave, Fairborn, Ohio, on November 17, 2025, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Martin Peter Lokai will be fondly remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to his work and family, and his humorous spirit that brought joy to those around him.
