Kenneth Ira Martin

Ken Martin was born in Kouts, Indiana on September 29, 1934 to Lester and Esther (Swope) Martin. He was the oldest of 6 children with siblings: Sam, Charley, Owen, Betty Ann, and Dorothy. He grew up on a farm, actively tending to his family and their homestead.

He graduated from high school, and then married the love of his life, Betty Lou Prough, on February 15, 1953. They raised a family of 5 children: Bill, Steve, Tom, Susan, and Bruce. They started out together in Kouts where Ken farmed and grew seed corn varieties for Orville Redenbacher, did commercial crop spraying and livestock hauling, and at the same time earned his BA Business degree from Valparaiso University in 4 years. After graduation, they moved to Morton, IL where he worked as an accountant for Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Peoria. They purchased a farm near Morton where they raised their family, grew acres of produce which their children sold to the local community, and were famous for raising prize winning giant pumpkins. In 1978 they, and 2 of their children, moved to Florida where Ken held many roles including owning/operating a family-run Auto Parts store, working as a licensed realtor/broker, and ultimately owning a tax preparation business until 2019.

Ken was a man of faith and prayer, having grown up in the Mennonite Church and also as a member of Covenant Mennonite Fellowship in Sarasota. He served in leadership roles at multiple churches as an Elder and a Sunday School Superintendent. He encouraged Bible memorization for youth, and supported church-planting to help multiple young churches in their early stages. He was an active member of the Gideons distributing Bibles in hotels, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and many other locations. He prayed with Betty daily for his family, the needs/safety/health of others, and thanked God regularly at meal time for the blessings that God had given them. His favorite Bible verses were John 3:16 and Psalm 23, and his favorite song was “Love Lifted Me”.

Ken was a smart and straightforward man who loved God, his family, and friends. He generously invested in others, helping his children pursue higher education and quietly helping others in need, impacting many lives without public recognition or fanfare.

Ken enjoyed entertaining others in their home. He loved to play games with family and friends, and enjoyed learning new games. He also taught his children, grand-children, and many friends a variety of card games and other types of games. The competition, love, and laughter were a staple part of his life and gatherings with family and friends.

Ken also enjoyed fishing. From the lakes of Northern Minnesota to the bays of Sarasota, he shared the joy of fishing with his father, his children, grand-children, along with many friends.

Ken loved his wife, Betty, and was always protective of her. Prior to his death they enjoyed reflecting on their 69 years of marriage and joyful family legacy including 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

On January 5th, 2023 Ken left his failing Earthly body after his 3rd bout with cancer, and is now at peace. He received divine and complete healing after arriving at his heavenly home in the presence of Jesus on that day. We welcome him to his heavenly place, honor him, and thank him for his love and the legacy he has left for his family and friends.

Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Covenant Mennonite Fellowship, 5420 Ashton Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233 or

Gideons International, Send a GideonCard https://www.gideons.org/donate.

For online tributes, please visit www.rtsfunerals.com