Melvin S. Martin

Melvin S. Martin, 93, formerly of Martindale, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Richland, PA. Melvin was the husband of Mary Z. (Burkholder) Nolt Martin, with whom he would have celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary on March 27trh. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Z. (Burkholder) Martin, whom he married on December 14, 1944. She passed away on June 1, 1997.

Born April 3, 1922 in East Earl Township, Melvin was a son of the late Israel M. and Lydia M. (Shirk) Martin. He was a member of Martin’s Mennonite Church, Womelsdorf, PA, and a former member of Martindale Mennonite Church, Martindale, PA. He was the founder of the Martindale Machine Company of Martindale in 1952. As a machinist, engineer, and draftsman, he designed and built specialized machinery. In 1991 the business transferred to his son who presently runs operations.

An avid Bonsai enthusiast and trainer, Melvin cultured many trees. He loved astronomy, local and family history, music, and most of all loved his Savior Jesus Christ. He was also one of the Swiss Pioneer Preservation Association founders.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three children: Leland “Lee” Martin (Marilyn) of East Earl, Melvin Edward Martin of Martindale, and Elizabeth Ann Wise (Aaron Ray) of Seneca Fall, NY; four siblings: Israel S. Martin (Anna (Zimmerman)) of New Holland, PA, Esther S. Weaver (Enos Z.) of Martindale, PA, Eva S. Oberholtzer (Titus) of Lancaster, PA, and Anna Mae Shirk (wife of the late Edwin Shirk) of Akron, PA; four stepchildren: Arlene Nolt (Ervin) of Memphis, MO, Mary Kathryn Martin (Ivan) of New Holland, PA, Lewis Nolt (RoseAnna) of Richland, PA, and Betty J. Weaver (Melvin) of East Earl; 10 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, 20 step-grandchildren, 70 step-great-grandchildren, and 2 step-great-great-grandchildren.

Melvin was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, his brother-in-law, his daughter Mary Etta Martin, his stepdaughter Verna Oberholtzer (Abner), his brothers John S. Martin and Amos S. Martin (Martha), and his sisters Lucy S. Martin (Marcus) and Magdalena Oberholtzer (John).

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 8 at 9:30 AM at the Martindale Mennonite Church with Bishop Mark Ray Sadler, Wilmer Hurst, James Oberholtzer, Paul Hurst, Jr., and Steven Wise officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Martindale Reception Center, 352 Martindale Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522. Kindly omit flowers. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.