Reverend John M. Martin, age 77 of South Bend, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Memorial Hospital. John was born March 15, 1935 to the late John and Arlene (Zeigenfuse) Martin in Ashland, Pennsylvania. On June 20, 1953, he was united in marriage to Janette E. Mather in Ashland, Pennsylvania. Janette preceded him in death, passing away July 22, 2011.

Surviving are his children, Debra (Ed) Page of South Bend, Sharon (Roger) Belcher of Knox, Indiana, John P. (Brenda) Martin of Mishawaka, and Machelle (Brian) Thompson of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Also surviving is his sister, Carole (Ron) Hughes of Parksburg, Pennsylvania, 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Monday, December 17, 2012 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at New Creation Fellowship Church in Granger. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

John was employed for 31 years at Bethlehem Steel in Burns Harbor in supervision, until his retirement in 1996. In 1998, he graduated from RHEMA Bible College, where he received Pastoral training. John was an assistant pastor and marriage counselor at New Creation Fellowship Church for many years.

In his younger days, John was the captain of the Ashland High School football team, and loved to play baseball. He loved to golf, fish and hunt, and spend time outdoors. His family was very important to him. He loved to coach Little League and spend time at his grandchildren''s sporting events.

In his memory, donations may be made to New Creation Fellowship Church.