Martin was a simple, loving man who cherished his family and friends most. He was devoted to his Roman Catholic faith.
Having the perfect "radio voice", Martin worked as a radio announcer in stations in Garden City and Salina, KS, Burlington, NC and finally in Wichita at KSGL. As a young man, he developed a life-long love of jazz music. With his best friend, Wathen Cunningham, he attended the Wichita Jazz Festival for many years before moving to North Carolina. It was at a Stan Kenton concert that he met his soon-to-be wife, Nancy, on a blind date.
His love of music continued even after he retired. Martin's favorite pastime was recording music for nursing homes, assisted living homes and for those who just wanted to hear the "music of their lives." He joined his friend, Watty, in creating a music ministry playing live music for those same groups of people.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Dennis E. and Joseph R., his sister, Kathleen A., and brother-in-law, Jack Aring.
Martin is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy (Stanfield) Shay, children, Phillip P. Shay, Laura B. (Timothy) Purser, brothers, Fr. Michael Shay, John (Janet) Shay, Thomas (Margie) Shay, David (Jackie) Shay, sisters-in-law, Connie Shay, Judy Shay, grandchildren, Hunter Covill, Nathan Shay, Christopher Shay, Audrey Purser, Abagail Purser, Reagan Shay, James Shay, great grandchild Owen Covill, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place Tuesday July 11, 2023, from 8:30-9:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, located at 645 N. 119th St. W., Wichita, KS 67235. It will be followed by praying the Rosary at 9:30 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 AM, also at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Internment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, 610 S. Vassar St., Wichita.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Lord's Diner, 520 N. Broadway St., Wichita, KS 67214 or the Dear Neighbor Ministries, 1329 S. Bluffview Dr., Wichita, KS 67218.
