Paul Martin Obituary

Paul Nelson Martin

Paul Nelson Martin, 76, of Bellville, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2022.

Paul was born April 4, 1946, on the family farm near Alvada, the third of Irving and Helen Martin's five children. From his parents and the hogs on the farm, he would learn the work ethic that would become his greatest source of pride throughout his life. He grew up with a determination and independent streak that helped him as, after graduating from Vanlue High School in 1964, he worked nights for Eastman Kodak to pay his own way through Findlay College in Findlay.

Paul graduated in 1968 with a degree in marketing. He took a job teaching business for Bedford City Schools, where he would meet the love of his life, Nancy Lee Anderson. After a whirlwind courtship, they wed Aug. 17, 1969, and were married for 53 years. She was his rock, his beacon, and his comfort in a world that wasn't built for him, and which he often found difficult to understand.

After a few years with Bedford Schools, Paul embarked on a career in business. He worked variously as a Project Manager, Systems Analyst, and IT manager. He devoted himself to providing for his sons, Jeffrey and Bradley. From years of diligent effort every day, he built a home and family he could be proud of.

After a lifetime of hard work, he settled into a well-earned retirement. For the next several years, he and Nancy traveled the world, visiting countless countries on five continents. As Paul said, "Why not? God made it and it's beautiful." When he wasn't crossing oceans, he preferred to stay close to his beloved village of Bellville, taking care of the home he built and lived in for 27 years.

Besides travel, Paul was active in his church and community. He volunteered for Matthew: 25 Produce Distribution, Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center, and Mansfield/Richland County Public Library. He umpired Little League and high school baseball, officiated high school and college swimming, and served for 20 years as Director of the Greater Mansfield Aquatic Conference. At Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland, he served as an Usher and Lay Reader, and participated in the Woodworking, Landscaping, and Euchre clubs.

Throughout his life, Paul always put his family first, strove to serve his community, and live his faith. He struggled, as we all do, and sometimes he failed, as we all do, but he always did what he believed to be right and tried to live his life as an honest man.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Jeffrey and Bradley; and siblings, Jim, Barbara, Larry and Phil.

Visitation and calling hours will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 48 Church St., Bellville, Ohio, 44813, with services at 2 p.m.