Daniel Elwin Martin , July 06, 1951 — September 16, 2018

I was given the gift of life on July 6, 1951 via my late parents, Don and Ruth Downs Martin of Alma, Michigan. My life was full of family, laughs, a few sorrows, but always love and laughter! Favorite activities early in life were heckling my four siblings, Kris Martin Kemler (John Kemler) of Alma, David Martin (Nancy Tripp Martin) of Alma, Kathy Martin Haeft of New Boston and Kim Martin of New Boston.

Marriage to my one and only, Margie (Shutt) Martin, of Alma, occurred via elopement in July of 1972. Starting out with two new Schwinn Varsity bikes and a list of marriage gifts on a two inch by three inch piece of paper we sped ahead forging a 46 year life together. Nick Martin (Ashlea Gernand) of Edwardsville, Illinois, Alex Martin of Alma, Brian Martin of Edmore, Drew Martin (Rachel Bushway Martin), of Kalamazoo completed our immediate family until grandchildren came along.

Ellie Martin, Allison Martin and Cooper Martin of Alma swelled my heart to new levels of love and pride. I also enjoyed the peace, solitude and miracles of nature. Hunting whitetail deer, playing cards and board games, golfing, watching football and collegiate wrestling, telling jokes, reading books, traveling with my wife, photography and enjoying the company of friends were central in my life.

Alma College was my employer for the last 25 years of my work life. Prior to that I worked for Dow Chemical in LaPorte, Texas. So, what halted all this magic on September 16, 2018?

My diagnosis of incurable renal cell carcinoma three years ago. I continued to live life, while I was still able. My wife, family and dog, Pepper, cared for me at our home with the help of teams of health care workers at West Michigan Hematology and Oncology of Grand Rapids, Spectrum Health, Lemmon Holton Cancer Center, Spectrum Hospice and Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care of Greenville.

My family has planned a private three day gathering in northern Michigan in the springtime to celebrate my life. Memorials may be made, at Dan’s request, to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Dan’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.

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