Claud H. Martin

Claud H. Martin, 78, of Benton Harbor, passed away Monday, February 6, 2006 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 P.M. Thursday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home with Rev. Kendall Holder officiating. Friends may call from 3:00-4:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the service with burial of ashes at Hagar-Lakeshore Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Memorials may be made to Michigan Lung Association or Michigan Heart Association. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Martin was born October 10, 1927 in Marcella, Arkansas to Roy & Vela (Case) Martin. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School. On November 18, 1961, he married the former Vera Johns in Riverside. Claud was employed by Ameri Gas, retiring in 1985 after 35 years. Claud enjoyed carpentry. He built his own home and several others over the years. He also enjoyed working on cars and tinkering around in the barn. Claud is survived by his wife Vera; five children-Linda Toy of Youngsville, NC, Kenneth Martin of Tampa, FL, Claudia Haislip of Franklinton, NC, Lori (Bryce) Roberts of Watervliet, Gail (Rod) Reeves of Benton Harbor; nine grandchildren-Michelle (Louis) Barrios, Jeff Williams, Shaunda (Mike ) Weaver, Brian Stephens, Doug (Lori) Martin, Christopher Martin, Taylor Roberts, Samantha Roberts, Zachary Reeves; two great-grandchildren; a brother Billy Joe (Bertha) Martin of Riverside; and a sister Doris Wilfred of Benton Harbor. He was preceded in death by his parents.