BOURBON – Richard Lynn “Dick” Martin, of Bourbon, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital, succumbing to COVID-19 after 36 days.
Richard was born the third son of Conda and Freda Anderson Martin on April 2, 1943. Dick was a graduate of Bourbon High School Class of 1961. He married his classmate and high school sweetheart, Nancy Kay Feldman, on April 15, 1962. Together they raised a family of three girls, Mendy, Connie and Susan. When asked when he was going to have a boy, he would always say, “Boys will be here soon enough,” and when he walked each daughter down the aisle, it was too soon for him.
Dick farmed with his parents. They raised corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and milked a 100 head of dairy cattle along with running a milk route. But his most prized crop were his eight grandchildren: Lane, Erin, Paige, Jodie, Austin, Katlyn, Jarred and Caleb. A prouder grandfather could not be found!
Dick was a community servant as well, serving on the board of trustees of the First United Methodist Church of Bourbon, serving as a board member of Marshall County REMC, Fulton-Marshall Farm Bureau Co-op, Marshall County 4-H Fairboard and over 40 years as a 4-H leader.
Dick is survived by his three daughters: Mendy (Mike) Davis, Connie (Andy) Lemler and Susan (Lars) Watson, all of Bourbon. Also surviving are his eight grandchildren: Lane (Liz) Davis, Erin (Blake) Hesters, Paige (Paxon) Miller, Jodie (Brock) Vermillion, Austin (Aubrey) Davis, Katlyn Watson, Jarred Watson and Caleb Lemler; his 13 great-grandchildren; his brothers: Mac (Lucy) Martin, of Walton; Dr. Robert Martin, of Ames, Iowa; and Steve (Muriel) Martin, of Plymouth; and his dear friend, Jean Deaton.
The family will have a private graveside service Wednesday, Dec. 30 in the Bethel Cemetery. Pastors Steven Kaehr and Pastor Kenneth Cooke will be officiating.
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.
Deaton Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, is privileged to be entrusted with arrangements.
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In lieu of flowers, those so inclined may make memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church of Bourbon, Bourbon Township 4-H or Triton NG3 Youth Group.
Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.deatonclemensfh.com.
