Ralph Jerald Lee Martin

Ralph Jerald Lee Martin, 76, of Princeton, IN passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on October 28th, 2024. He fought a courageous three year battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born January 1, 1948 in Fort Branch, Indiana, the seventh of eleven children to Victor and Lillian (Frick) Martin. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Pegram) Martin, on July 15, 1967.  They had 6 children: twins, Patrick and Chris; twins, Kyle and Kent; Kimberly and Shannon; which was just the beginning of their growing family.   

Ralph graduated from Fort Branch High School in 1965. He spent his life working as a journeyman electrician and retired from IBEW Local 16 in 2010. He was a proud union brother for over 50 years.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Princeton.

He was the epitome of hard work and dedication in both his profession and his family life.  He never missed a day of work and always showed up for his family.  After retirement, Ralph enjoyed spending time at all of his grandchildren’s school and sporting events, visiting with his brothers telling stories around the fire pit, tinkering in the garage, and watching sports on tv.  He loved being outside tending to his yard and his garden.  He was especially known for always having a table full of tomatoes to share and he canned his own tomato juice.  There was no project he couldn’t tackle whether around the house or repairing vehicles, he was always happiest helping fix things and passing on his knowledge to his children and grandchildren. He had a “do it yourself” attitude and he would rather repair something than buy it brand new.  Ralph’s favorite place was at his home in the country, relaxing outside, surrounded by his family and his dog, Oliver. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, dad, papaw and brother.  His family will miss him beyond measure but are thankful he has found peace.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Robert “Bob” & Roumilda Pegram; children, Ralph Christian “Chris” Martin, and Patrick Gene Martin; siblings, infant Joe Glen Martin, Marlene Corn and Raymond Martin.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda Martin, children: Kyle Martin, Kent (Mikala) Martin, Kimberly (Kirk) Hales, Shannon (Robert) Krieg, grandchildren: Zachary, Alyssa, Kaylee, Brady, Cain (Gretchen), Brooks (Christa), and Braylen (Caely) Martin; Adriana, Hunter, Haley and Ashtyn Davis; Whittney, Ryan and Trae (Rachael) Hales; Kylie, Kierstyn and Kynlee Lake; Tucker (Sarah) and Jackson Krieg, great grandchildren: Madalyn, Ryker, Maren, Briella & a few on the way, siblings: Bill (Nancy) Martin, Rosemary Conner, Clarence (Claudette) Martin, Earl (Jo Ellen) Martin, Gerald (Deb) Martin, Jim (Cindy) Martin and Roger (Katrina) Martin, sister-in-law: Phyllis Martin, brother-in-law: Jeff Corn; and several nieces and nephews.

A private burial was held on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with Father Gary Kaiser officiating. A celebration of life will be held at the Haubstadt Community Center on November 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Martin.

Memorial contributions may be made to his alma mater; Holy Cross Catholic School in Fort Branch.

Condolences may be made and memories left online at ColvinFuneralHome.com. The Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Ralph’s family.

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