On Monday, September 18, the world lost a truly generous and caring spirit with the passing of Reverend Edwin L. Martin. Born August 23, 1940, his life was defined by his love for others and service to all. The son of Reverend E. Laurence and Doris Martin, Edwin was raised by his maternal grandparents, Frank and Nell Carr, in West Pittston, PA. His grandfather served as the bedrock of Edwin’s values, as well as the moral code by which he later lived his life. Frank, a brilliant man in his own right, also provided Edwin the wisdom and work ethic that could only come from a grade-school dropout that went to work in the Northeast Pennsylvania coal mines by the age of 10. Edwin’s brother and sisters, Jean Patterson, Gerald Martin and Barbara Weiskerger all preceded him in death.When Edwin graduated from West Pittston High School in 1958, he joined the United States Navy and began his first career in service as a hospital corpsman supporting his fellow sailors. In 1965, he was assigned to a Marine Corp platoon in Southeast Asia. One tragic night, while on patrol, his unit came under attack and 11 of his fellow Marines lost their lives. He constantly honored his comrades throughout his life and spoke often of Billy Britton and Junior Zamora with humor, love and deference. Although tragic, it was on that night that Edwin received his calling, committed his life to Christ and marked the beginning for his second career in service, the United Methodist ministry.When Edwin returned from overseas, he began his divinity studies and at the United Methodist Church in Pittston, PA met the love of his life, Mary Mullarkey. On July 23, 1966, Edwin and Mary were married by a group of five United Methodist ministers.
Together they lived their lives in ministry serving 13 congregations Northeast Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York over 50 years. At every moment of those 50 years, Edwin and Mary walked side by side as examples of God’s love and compassion. They were together as Edwin baptized, married and provided pastoral care to thousands and thousands of individuals in the communities they served. On July 16, 2011, Edwin’s daughter, Sarah Rice, joined the Martin family when she married his youngest son Craig. Sarah’s intelligence, kindness and love are ever-present and served as another source of Edwin’s joy. In recent years, he also made a very special friend in Salina Kennedy; as they shared a bond through their Marine Corp service, as well as the love they have for his oldest son, Todd. Edwin’s life was also blessed by five grandchildren. Time spent with Rori, Emily, Megan, Katie and Lauren were some of his greatest moments of pride and joy. Edwin lived his life with compassion and integrity and without regret. For those of us privileged to have had Edwin touch our lives, we know that his love for us and for his God is unmatched. He was unique in the very best sense of the word and we’ll not soon, if ever, see his equal. The family invites you to a celebration of Edwin’s life, love and service at the Harrisburg United Methodist Church located at 1160 High Street Harrisburg, OH 43126 on Friday, September 22 from 5 pm until 8 pm. A memorial worship service will held at the Harrisburg United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 23 at 1 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that remembrances be directed to the mission activities of the Harrisburg United Methodist Church or the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements Completed with THE SPENCE-MILLER FUNERAL HOME Grove City, Ohio where online condolences may be left at www.spencemillerfuneralhome.com
Edwin’s life was also blessed by five grandchildren. Time spent with Rori, Emily, Megan, Katie and Lauren were some of his greatest moments of pride and joy. Edwin lived his life with compassion and integrity and without regret. For those of us privileged to have had Edwin touch our lives, we know that his love for us and for his God is unmatched. He was unique in the very best sense of the word and we’ll not soon, if ever, see his equal. The family invites you to a celebration of Edwin’s life, love and service at the Harrisburg United Methodist Church located at 1160 High Street Harrisburg, OH 43126 on Friday, September 22 from 5 pm until 8 pm. A memorial worship service will held at the Harrisburg United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 23 at 1 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that remembrances be directed to the mission activities of the Harrisburg United Methodist Church or the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements Completed with THE SPENCE-MILLER FUNERAL HOME Grove City, Ohio where online condolences may be left at www.spencemillerfuneralhome.com
