Walter George Martin

Walter George Martin, 89, South Bend, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 18, 2018 in Brookdale Assisting Living Center, South Bend. He was born January 14, 1929 in La Porte, IN to the late George Breese and Mary Zella (Littleton) Martin.

On April 27, 1952, Walt married the former Lois Fransen, who preceded him in death on October 22, 1980. On January 25, 1985, he married the former Donna Jean Shaw, who preceded him in death on September 28, 2014. His son, Gregory Martin, preceded him in death on September 1, 1996.

Walt served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1947 to 1950, at the beginning of the Korean Conflict, as an aircraft maintenance instructor. Following his return to civilian life, Walter returned to live in La Porte and, in 1956, moved to South Bend to work as an automatic transmission specialist at Yeager Motor Company (now Gurley Leap). Walt’s family attended St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. An active volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America, he was a long serving Scoutmaster for Troop 478; a Wood Badge recipient in 1969; a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow; and the adult leader to a contingent to Philmont Scout Ranch in 1972. In recognition to his service to the boyhood of Northern Indiana Council, Walt was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 1974.

Walt is survived by one son, George Martin, and daughter-in-law, Janelle Noble of Berkeley, CA; he is also survived by stepdaughter, Derinda (Mel) Johnson and Fayetta Rose Thomas, both of Mishawaka, stepsons Donald Millow, Richard (Eve) Millow, both of Mishawaka, and Bennie Thomas of Elkhart, IN, stepdaughter-in-law Mary Shaw of South Bend, IN; two grandchildren Gregory and Margaret Martin; 25 step grandchildren; 62 step great-grandchildren; and 41 step great-great-grandchildren. Walt was preceded in death by his stepson Ronald Shaw.

Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements.Entombment with military honors will be held at 9:30 am Monday, November 12, 2018 at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Walt may be donated to Boy Scouts of America, Lasalle Council, 1340 South Bend Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617.

Online condolences may be left for the Martin family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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