Donald Martin

In the early morning of Nov. 28, 2023, surrounded by his family, Donald Martin gained his wings and went to be with his beloved wife.

Don was born March 8, 1930, to Alvin Leslie and Ruth (Drollinger) Martin in Creston. He attended Creston Schools. Don entered the Army at age 18 and served active duty for one year in the Army Reserve for five years. He was honorably discharged. In 1954, Don met and married the love of his life, Mary (Margie White) and they were married for 50 years. To this union, eight children were born.

Don, along with his brother Al, owned and operated Martin Brothers, the Chrysler Plymouth dealership in Creston for many years. In 1972, Margie began working with Don until they sold the business to enjoy retirement. Don and Margie enjoyed traveling the country, especially visiting cemeteries for their love of genealogy.

They wintered in Venice, Florida, for many years. Don held a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his plane with his children and grandchildren. His hidden talent was being able to take anything apart and put it back together. His children remember their first television, a Heath Kit television, built by their dad.

Don also was a ham radio operator for many years. Being a Depression baby, he always knew the value of a dollar. When the used cars at the garage needed upholstery work, he bought his own upholstery sewing machine and taught himself to upholster the seats.

His kids and grands were often the recipients of his ability and willingness to fix anything. There was not much of anything he couldn’t do or try. Those talents will be sorely missed. In later years, Don enjoyed his daily swims at the local YMCA, driving his convertible with his 50s and 60s music at full volume, and playing cards and cribbage with family and friends.

Don is survived by six children: Terri (Jim) Gillespie of Earlham, Ron (Tammy) Martin of Creston, Merri (Mike) Ringen of Knob Noster, Missouri, Sherri (Jerry) of Norwalk, Kerri (Jim) Metzger of Marshalltown and David (Sandra) Martin of Fresno, California; and daughter-in-law, Jaqueline Martin of Omaha, Nebraska. Extended family includes Margie’s only living sibling, Vickie Vanosdall of Galesburg, Illinois, and sisters-in-law, Becky White of Nevada and Violet White of Corning; many nieces and nephews. Don left a legacy of 22 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Margie; his two sons, John and Dan; his parents; parents-in-law, Fred (Fussy) and Hazel White and siblings: Al (Lou) Martin and Lois (Jim) Rodger. Also preceding him were Penny (Gaylan) Combs, Alvin White, Danny White, Ivan White and Richard David White; niece, Linda Raymie and nephew, Mike Combs.

Per Don’s wishes, a private internment with family will be held at a later date.

If you wish, memorials may be sent to your local library.