Eli C. (Big Eli) Martin,77, of Ashland, Kentucky passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday January 12, 2019. From an early age, Eli worked hard in whatever job he worked whether it was farming or regular employment. He worked for and retired in 2007 after forty-one years as a Federal Food Inspector with the USDA. He was also a member of the Mailhandlers Union.
Eli enjoyed wood working and loved to fish. Most of all, he loved being a Dad and Grandparent. He was always ready to share his vast knowledge and have those around him learn what he had to teach.
He is preceded in death by parents; Minda Askelson Martin, William Martin, and Nellie Martin; wife, Doloris Parker Martin; sisters, Minda Irene Martin, Francis Griffin, Bert Barr, and Cletus Beal; and brothers, Alvin Martin, Bill Martin, and Clayton Martin.
Eli is survived by loving wife Gladys Hensley Sutton Martin of Ashland, Kentucky; Brother, Harlan Martin; children, Deborah Loftsgard (David), Elaine Rice (Larry), David Martin (Rosemary), Eli C. Martin II, Earlene Opell (George), Carolyn Vipperman (Jim), and Jerry Sutton (CeCe); twenty-four grandchildren and forty-four great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other beloved friends and relatives.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa with Reverend Lynn Noel officiating. There will be an hour visitation before services at the Church.
Interment will follow at Postville Cemetery, Postville, Iowa.
In lieu in flowers donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, ATTN: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 or www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org/shc/donate.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.