Feb. 17, 1923 - March 20, 2012

ELKHART — Richard Robert Martin, 89, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital Emergency Room after a sudden illness.

He was born Feb. 17, 1923, in Elkhart to the late Charles and Leillah (Marshall) Martin. He married Madelyne Shoffner on Feb. 19, 1965, in Elkhart.

She survives, as well as daughters Susan Maron, Linda House, Kathy (Dan) Lenhart and Gloria Lightfoot, all of Elkhart; son Timothy Shoffner of Three Rivers, Mich.; sister Betty Huffman of Elkhart; as well as 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

A son, Timothy Martin, passed away the same day in a pedestrian/train accident in Goshen. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Vern and Vine Martin; sister June Price; and granddaughter Tamara Hill.

Richard started in 1946 at Martin Band Instrument Co., which was started by his grandparents. He then worked as a valve maker for C.G. Conn for 11 years. As a youth, he worked as a gas station attendant.

He enjoyed Big Band era music and making tapes. He had attended Christian Center Church in South Bend. He served in the United States Army from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1945.

Friends may call for two hours prior to the 1 p.m. funeral service Friday, March 23, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. The Rev. Gary Sheets will officiate. Graveside services and burial with military honors by the U.S. Army will be rendered in Prairie Street Cemetery. Memorials may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County or the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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