Eli Martin

Eli C. (Big Eli) Martin, 77, of Ashland, KY passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, January 12, 2019. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 19 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville with Reverend Lynn Noel as the officiant. Visitation will be for one hour before services at the church. Interment will follow in Postville Cemetery, Postville.

In lieu in flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, ATTN: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org/shc/donate.

From an early age, Eli worked hard in whatever job he worked whether it was farming and/or regular employment. He worked for and retired in 2007 after 41 years as a Federal Food Inspector with the USDA. He was also a member of the Mailhandlers Union.

He 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; his wife, Doloris Parker Martin; his sisters, Minda Irene Martin, Francis Griffin, Bert Barr and Cletus Beal; and his brothers, Alvin Martin, Bill Martin and Clayton Martin.

Eli is survived by his loving wife, Gladys Hensley Sutton Martin of Ashland, KY; his brother, Harlan Martin; his children, Deborah (David) Loftsgard, Elaine (Larry) Rice, David (Rosemary) Martin, Eli C. Martin II, Earlene (George) Opell, Carolyn (Jim) Vipperman and Jerry (CeCe) Sutton; 24 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville is helping the family with arrangements.