Joseph Frederick Martin

Joseph Frederick Martin affectionately knows as Joe, peacefully departed this world on August 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories. Born on April 20, 1932, in Kokomo Indiana, Joe was the beloved son of William and Helen Martin, who predeceased him along with his siblings Kenneth, William, Virginia Bushman, Mary Wood, Reba Lytle, Catherine Swing and Lucille Mooney. He is survived by his dear sister Gloria Hale.

Joe’s life was a tapestry woven with love, commitment, and passion. On July 23, 1993, he married Mary Jeanette (Paice) Martin, in Winter Park Florida. Together, they crafted a beautiful life, splitting time between the serene landscape of Waynesville, North Carolina and the sunny warmth of Longwood, Florida. They traveled extensively, always eager to see what was around the next bend. From Alaska to Australia, they embraced the beauty of the world and the kindness of strangers everywhere they went.

A proud American Joe served his country with honor in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant. His dedication to service was matched by his commitment to Education. After graduating from high school in Kokomo, Indiana, Joe pursued higher education at Purdue University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Forgoing a potential career in professional baseball with the Milwaukee Braves, he followed his passion for engineering, working as an electrical engineer for Honeywell and Stromberg Carlson. After years of dedication to his career, Joe embraced entrepreneurship, successfully running a Pinch-A-Penny franchise for 22 years.

Joe’s life was enriched by his hobbies and interests. He was an avid baseball lover, sailor, snow skier, and golfer, with each activity reflecting his zest for life and adventure. His enthusiasm for sports was mirrored by his love for family, which was the cornerstone of his existence. Joe was a devoted father to his children, Kurt and Andrea Martin, stepchildren Kay Carpenter, Jason Paice and Alicia Spore, a loving grandfather to Nathan, Jennifer, and Aaron Martin, step grandchildren Jonathon and Jacob Spore as well as his great grandchildren Eleanora, Emery, and Oliver Martin.

Joe’s journey was marked by humility, kindness, and an unwavering sense of duty to those he loved. His warmth and generosity touched many lives, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Joe’s memory. As we bid farewell to Joe, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life that will forever inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know him.