Obituary of Gilbert Lewis Martin

Gilbert Lewis Martin, 90, passed away peacefully, amongst family, May 4, 2011. Born April 25, 1921, to Jack and Florence (McLaughlin) Martin, in Akron, Ohio, Gil proudly grew up in Akron where he married his beautiful bride, Kathleen E. (Miller) on August 4, 1942 and enjoyed 63 wonderful years of marriage until Kathy preceded him in death on May 19, 2006. Gil was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy where he mastered his craft painting battle ships in Norfolk, Va. He was our dad, our father-in-law, our grandpa, our great-grandpa, our uncle, our brother, our neighbor, and our best friend. He was loved by all who knew him; he will be remembered most for his laughter and his compassion by those who had the good fortune to know him. He spent more than 60 years as a professional, independent painter, and member of Local 841 (Painters Union). He worked along side many great people; especially Mark Beeman-thank you dear friend. Gil was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathleen and his sister, Phyllis (Agnello). He is survived by his brother, Warren (Alice) Martin and his daughters, Pamela (Don) Richardson, Karen (Joe) Vanek, Beth (Barry) Smith and many nieces and nephews. He was blessed with six adoring grandchildren, Jeffrey Boies, Robyn Richardson (Chesser), Heather (Dennis) Barrow, Liann (Brian) Moser, Jason Vanek, and Lisa (Jimmy) Gray, and his eight great-grandchildren, Christian, Joseph, Lauren, Lily, Connor, Addison, Gabrielle, and Samuel. Special thanks to his loving and devoted son-in-law, Barry, for all the wonderful moments he shared with Gil and not letting a day go by without calling or stopping by. We would also like to especially thank our dear friend, Jenny Carter. You touched more lives than you knew and will be forever endeared in our hearts. A funeral service will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home McGOWAN-REID & SANTOS CHAPEL (at 3rd St., one block north of Portage Trail in the Falls), where the family will receive friends starting at 11 a.m. up until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.