Donald E. Martin

Donald E. Martin, age 98, passed away on Oct. 19, 2013 at The Sanctuary of Geneva Assisted Living, of Geneva, OH. He was born August 10, 1915 in Zoar, OH to Adelia (Essenwine) and Harry Martin. Don graduated from Mineral City High School in 1933. After graduation, he worked in a coal mine with his father for several months before getting a job in a tile factory. In the fall of 1937 Don enrolled in college at Kent State University and graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1941. After a courtship that included many dates to Myers Lake Park for dances, trips to the movies, and an ice cream parlor, he married Virginia (Ginny) I. Carson on August 17, 1939 in Dover, OH. They were married 73 years, until her death June 29, 2012. Don was a teacher and successful high school coach in boy's football, basketball, and track at Creston, Painesville, Strasburg, and North Canton, OH. His coaching career spanned 20 years from 1941 to 1961 and he remained in contact with many of his former players. Don served for a number of years on the Ohio High School Athletic Board. Don received his M.S. degree in Education at Kent State University in 1961 and was a guidance counselor and dean at Euclid High School from 1962 until he retired in 1980. After retiring from Euclid High School, Don started a radio station, WDON 104.9 (now named WKKY) in Geneva, OH. He sold the station in 1990 and started as well as managed the Blue Ribbon Cheese Haus in Madison, OH from 1991 through 2000. Don and Ginny regularly attended Saturday night ballroom dances with couples who became life long friends. He enjoyed high school and college sports, golfing, gardening, having a beautifully manicured lawn, bird watching, and sharing jokes. Don will be remembered for his sense of humor. Don is survived by his sister Helen (Martin) Weaver of Bolivar, OH and children Philip (Jeanne) Martin of The Villages, FL, Drs. Paul (Nancy) Martin of Lexington, OH and Kay (Widd) Raymond of Geneva, OH. In addition, eight grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren survive him. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia and son Dr. David Martin. Don and Ginny enjoyed numerous visits from family and friends while living at The Sanctuary of Geneva. Arrangements were completed by the Behm Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 175 S. Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041. A special thank you is extended to The Sanctuary of Geneva and Harbor Light Hospice for the excellent care provided for Don and for the support of his family. There will be a Celebration of Life for Donald and Virginia at The Winery at Spring Hill, located at 6062 S. Ridge Rd. W., Geneva OH on Monday, November 11 from 4-7p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Don to The Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland,OH 44094. Prior memorial contributions were made in memory of Virginia.