John Z. Martin

John Z. Martin, Sr., 87, of Grist Mill Road, New Holland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 15, 2012, at Lincoln Christian Home, Ephrata, following declining health. His wife Ella W. (Zimmerman) Martin died in 2007.

Born in Earl Twp., he was the son of the late Daniel N. and Lena (Zimmerman) Martin. He was a member of the South Hinkletown Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference.

He founded Martin’s Ag Service in 1960 which he operated until he retired in 1997 following a stroke. He enjoyed attending auctions and collecting antiques and collectables.

He is survived by a son Raymond Z., married to Esther Mae Martin, East Earl; a daughter Mary Jane, married to George Z. Weaver of Ephrata; a daughter-in-law Pauline W. Martin of New Holland; a son Earl Z., married to Faye Martin of Ephrata; and daughters Janet Z. and Joyce Z. Martin, both of New Holland; 17 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. Also, surviving are his sisters Alta Z. Martin, New Holland, Lena Z., married to Lloyd Zimmerman, Liberty, MO, Etta Z. widow of Elmer Zimmerman, Pleasant Valley, MO, and Vera Z., married to Aaron H. Hoover, Manheim, a brother Ivan Z., married to Irene Martin, Lititz, and a sister Mary Z. Martin, New Holland.

He was preceded in death by his children, Esther Mae Martin, Mervin Z. Martin and John Z. Martin, Jr., a grandson Galen M. Weaver, and great grandsons Joseph and James Weaver. Also preceding him were his sisters Lizzie Redcay and Elsie Martin, and brothers Paul, Daniel, Amos and Willis Martin.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 18, at 8:45 a.m. at Fairmount Homes Farm Crest Chapel, 1100 Farm Crest Dr., Ephrata with further services at 9:30 am at the Weaverland Mennonite Church with the Bishop Amos G. Martin officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday at the Martindale Fellowship Center from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.