Kenneth "Ken" Wayne Martin

Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Martin, 90, of Newton, passed Friday, November 3rd, 2023 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem. He was born December 15, 1932 in Newton. Ken was the oldest of seven sons of the late Paul Robert Martin, first wife Ethel Matheson Martin Mull and second wife Nellie Ruth Davidson Hutchens.

Ken was part of the graduating class of 1951 from Newton-Conover High School, where he played football and was in various clubs. His classmates remain close through the years, meeting regularly for reunions and continue to meet twice a month for lunch.

Dad served in the U.S. Air Force as a communications clerk during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he attended Lenoir Rhyne College and graduated with a degree in business. He worked as office manager and shipping clerk at hosiery mills in Catawba and Lincolnton for 33 years, retiring in 1996.

Ken was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Newton. He was a loving, faithful, giving man, husband, and father. His biggest joy was being with his best friend and wife, Rose; whether bowling, going to football games, working in their yard, gardening, raising rabbits and chickens, and mostly enjoying quiet times being together at their home.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Rose Eulaliah Drum Martin and his brother, Paul Robert "Bob" Martin, Jr.

He is survived by his son, Bradley Martin (wife Carolyn) of Terrell; daughter, Laura Martin of Newton; grandsons, Jeffery Martin (wife Jane) of Pittsburg, Kansas; Chad Martin (wife Shannon) of Newton and five great grandchildren: Conner, Brayden, Ryland, Hailey, and Nolan Martin. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Gary Eugene Martin of Orlando, Florida; half-brothers, Charles Thomas “Thom” Hutchens of Hickory; John Wray "Johnny" Martin of Fort Myers, Florida; James Robert "Jimmy" Martin of Newton; Timothy Gaither "Tim" Martin of Newton-Conover; and many, many cousins.

The Martin Family will receive friends Thursday, November 9, from 1:00 – 2:45 pm, at First United Methodist Church in Newton. A Celebration of Kenneth’s life will follow at 3:00 pm. Pastors Josh Sherfey and Fred Thompson will be officiating the service. A graveside service will follow at Eastview Cemetery, Newton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Newton.

Condolences may be sent to the Martin Family at www.drumfh.com.

The Martin family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum and Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.