Kenneth L Martin's Obituary
Kenneth L. Martin, known as Husband, Dad, Pa and Coach Martin, passed from this life on January 23, 2026, in Spring Hill, Florida. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Nancy Lee (Henry) Martin, whom he married in March 24, 1956 in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Kenneth was born in Riley, Indiana on February 9, 1936, to Ralph and Eva Martin. He was preceded in death by sister Joan Irons; and brother Robert Martin. He is survived by his brother Paul Martin. He and Nancy were blessed with three children, Julie Painter (Doug) Indianapolis, Indiana; Dr. Jeff Martin (Debra), Salt Lake City, Utah; and James Martin (Ricardo Moran), Tirana, Albania.
Grandchildren include Dr. Seth Painter (Sarah), Midlothian, Virginia; Sarah Painter (Jamie Arnold), Indianapolis, Indiana; Stephanie Martin, Slidell, Louisiana; Samantha Martin, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Rhett Martin (Audra), Barboursville, Virginia. Great grandchildren include Jamie and Ava Arnold, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Ken was a huge fan of basketball and baseball from an early age. At Honey Creek High School, he excelled in basketball and fondly shared memories of attending the 1954 state championship, where the infamous Milan team won! He and Nancy graduated from Honey Creek High School in 1954. He loved watching IU basketball and Tampa Bay Rays baseball and rarely missed a game.
After graduation, he attended Indiana State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and later with subsequent master’s degrees. His teaching career spanned Lebanon High School, Honey Creek High School and finally Terre Haute South, where he coached many successful baseball teams and always spoke fondly of his players, many of whom remained in contact with him throughout the years. Ken retired in 1997 after 40 years of teaching. Upon retirement, he and Nancy moved to Spring Hill, Florida, and enjoyed their home and active life of traveling and golfing until the time of his passing.
Ken was a master craftsman who was blessed with a passion for designing and building custom homes. Not only did he build homes for his family; and for clients during the summer months, he put his Christian faith into practice and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity building homes for those in need.
Ken was a true disciple of the Lord. He was a passionate lifelong learner, who was active in the church. He enjoyed spending hours diving deep into the Word, and as a result, he developed many Bible study courses; taught classes on scripture; and mentored others towards discipleship. Even in his last days on Earth, he was happily sharing his faith with others.
Memorial Services will be planned for a future date in Terre Haute, Indiana.
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