Walter John Martin

Walter John Martin, (82), of Upper Arlington, Ohio passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 17, 2023.

John regaled everyone he met with stories, including those about growing up on a farm in Columbiana County with his foster mother, grandmother, and his brother Harmon. John graduated from Columbiana High School and went on to Ohio University. The most important event in his young life was meeting Ellen Kubic in 1958. They went on to marry in 1963 and had a love that has been a model for many. John served in the Air Force from 1962-1966. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Based in San Antonio, Texas and worked in security services. He went on to use that expertise and his charisma to build a career as a sales manager for NCR, Sperry UNIVAC, and Perkin Elmer. 

John is survived by his wife Ellen and five children, Colleen Mayhew (Jon), Sean (Julie), Heather Cereceres (Scott), Courtney (Amelia), and Shannon Paul (Brian), brother-in-law Paul Kubic (Erika), sister-in-law Ann Elek, best friend Jim Elek, grandchildren Michaela, Kymerie, Skylar, Ean, Rhys, Seamus, Mackenzie, Leanne, Alyssa, Caitlin, Alexandra, Rileigh, Delaney, Nathan, Brian Jr., Abby, Hannah, great-granddaughter Everleigh, and many nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents Nathaniel Martin and Edria Creeger, and siblings Charles, Betty, William, James, Shirley, and Harmon.

John’s wit and humor were true to his Irish heritage. John deeply loved his family and would do anything for them. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and greatly enjoyed his role as Grandpa to his adoring grandchildren. He will truly be missed by all.

To honor John’s memory, the family will be holding a celebration of life on May 28 from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. at Fancyburg Shelter House, 3375 Kioka Ave., Upper Arlington, OH 43221. We invite anyone who knew John to attend. Please come prepared to share stories and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the James Cancer Center and Solove Research Center. The family would like to thank caregivers and hospital staff at the Ohio State James Cancer Hospital, especially everyone in the Intensive Care Unit, and Hospice of Central Ohio for their care and dedication.