Karen L. Martin, 86, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on September 4, 2026. Born February 17, 1940, in Warsaw, Indiana, Karen was the daughter of the late Donald and Bernice (Butt) Jefferies. She carried herself with a steady resolve throughout life—strong-willed and assured—while also taking genuine pride in presentation and the finer details that make a day feel special.
Karen graduated from Decatur High School in 1958. She went on to build a respected career as Executive Secretary at Parkview Hospital, serving with professionalism and dedication until her retirement in 1991.
On May 21, 1983, Karen married James E. Martin at First Wayne Street United Methodist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He preceded her in death on December 25, 2019. In addition to her parents and husband, Karen was preceded in death by those closest to her in earlier years, whose absence she carried with quiet dignity.
Karen enjoyed shopping, golfing, and traveling—interests that reflected both her appreciation for “nice things” and her desire to make the most of time well spent. She also wintered in Largo, Florida, a seasonal rhythm that brought a change of scenery and a welcome warmth to her year.
Karen is survived by her sister, Marilyn Eley of New Haven, Indiana; nephews Jeff (Lisa) Eley of New Haven, Indiana, and Greg (Julie) Eley of Churubusco, Indiana; niece Karen (Greg) Baugher of Antwerp, Ohio; and step-grandchildren, Douglas (Jonas) Hart of New York, New York, and Daniel Patten, of Fort Wayne.
Visitation will be held at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46815, US, on September 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at the same location on September 10, 2026, at 12:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Covington Memorial Gardens, 8408 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804, US, on September 10, 2026, at 1:30 pm.
Memorials contributions in her honor may be made to Parkview Health Foundation.
