John Martin

MARTIN, John Daniel -- of Grand Blanc, age 88, passed away on September 10, 2015 in his home. A private family service with military honors is planned at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. John was born in Flint on March 6, 1927, one of 11 children of Benjamin Harrison (Harry) Martin and Elizabeth Mariah Martin. During WWII John served two years active duty beginning 1945 as a Naval Command Officer 3rd Class Motor Machinist for diesel engines on the USS Sarpedon, a battle damage repair ship, and a USS LST-505 in the Pacific and Okinawa. He served an additional six years in the naval reserves. He lived and worked in Flint and in brief assignments in Jackson and Oscoda. He was a 50-year member of the American Legion and a volunteer and friend at the Grand Blanc Senior Center. John was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jo Ann (Woodbury). Five surviving children are son John (Dan) Martin (wife Deborah) of Flint; daughter Trudy Martin of Brighton; daughter Connie Meisel (husband Randy) of Fayetteville, Tennessee; son Kevin Martin of Flint; and daughter Jody Nickola (husband Joseph) of Grand Blanc. John leaves seven grandchildren, Jason Meisel, Adam Meisel, John Martin III, Arnold Martin, Margee Nickola, Kylie Nickola and Jordan Nickola; and one great-grandson, Killian Newsome. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page a www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.