Joseph L. "Joe" Martin, Sr.

Joseph L. “Joe” Martin Sr., 84, of Syracuse, IN (formerly of Bremen, IN) passed away at 8:25 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse, IN. He was born on August 10, 1937 in Goshen, IN to Raymond & Dorothy (Andrews) Martin.

He graduated in 1955 from Bremen High School where he was a member of the basketball & track teams. He also served as drum major for the band. He was married on June 24, 1956 in Bremen, IN to Nancy J. Weston, who survives.

After graduation he worked at Lone Star Boat Company before going to work with his father at Martin Equipment Company. In 1965 Joe & his father purchased Roeder Chevrolet in Bremen. His 4 children worked with him at the businesses. In 1987 they purchased Bremen Ford, 1990 Country Chevrolet, and 1991 Martin Buick-Pontiac-GMC. He retired as owner / operator of the 4 dealerships after 38 years. He lived in Bremen most of his life, summered at Lake Wawasee, wintered in Siesta Key, FL, and travelled in their RV before retiring to Lake Wawasee permanently 20 years ago.

He was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Bremen and former member of the Bremen Jaycee’s.

He is survived by:

Wife – Nancy Martin of Syracuse

2 Daughters – Tamra (Bruce) Sisk & Betsy (Geoff) Jankowski both of Bremen

2 Sons – Joe (Jennifer) Martin Jr. of Syracuse & Tim (Laura) Martin of Salt Lake City, UT

6 Grandchildren – Kelly (Matt) Miller, Andrew Martin, Alison Martin, Jake Martin, Macy Jankowski, and Josie Jankowski

2 Gt. Grandchildren – Harrison & Memphis Miller

Sister – Judy (Andy) Baker of Bremen

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd. 15, Warsaw, IN. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Dec. 27, 2021 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow immediately at the First United Church of Christ, 323 S. Center St., Bremen, IN 46506. Burial will take place in the Bremen Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be given to the Marshall County Humane Society, 11165 13th Rd., Plymouth, IN 46563 or Goshen Home Care & Hospice, 1147 Professional Dr., Goshen, IN 46526.