Beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Ernest E. Martin, 87, of Niles, passed away on Oct. 21, 2018, peacefully at his home.

Ernest was born Dec. 24, 1930, to Jesse and Melba L. (Stone) Martin in Bald Knob Arkansas. He served honorably for two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Joann Fred in Angola, Indiana on May 1, 1954. They celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage while raising their three children together.

After serving in the military Ernest worked at and retired from Buchanan Steel in Buchanan, Michigan. Ernest looked forward to Sunday mass and enjoyed participating in church functions at Christ the King and Healthwin. Ernest was also a diehard Notre Dame Football and Green Bay Packer fan. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and traveling.

He also loved to work crossword puzzles and watching the Mollie B. Polka Party show. He had a passion for gardening and growing tomatoes, hot peppers and okra. For many years he loved to golf, doing so just two weeks ago.

Throughout his life he was also a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans organizations. His patriotism was undeniable.

Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Martin and Melba Moody; his beloved wife, Joann on March 18, 2018, grandson Joseph E. Martin; and brothers, Johnny and Douglas Martin.

Ernest is survived by his three children, Pamela (Danny) Meehan, of Maricopa, Arizona, Ernest “Marty” E. (Julie) Martin II and Brian T. (Alexis) Martin, of South Bend; 9 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; Seth Freyer (Marleigh), Sarah Snyder (Nathaniel, Emma Grace, Abigail), Cecilia Martin (Alex, Olivia), Lia Martin (Niya), Jasmine Martin (Gabe Seastrom), all of South Bend, Deven Martin, of Niles, Genesis Martin, of South Bend, Ryzen and Braiya Martin, of Lacey, Washington; a brother, Carl Martin, of Arkansas; along numerous nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be on Thursday evening, Oct. 25, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, at Christ the King Church, 52473 S.R.933 in South Bend, Indiana, at 10 a.m. with Father Michael Belinsky officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army at the conclusion.

Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Healthwin Specialized Care facility, 20531 Darden Rd, South Bend, IN 46637

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for Ernest’s family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.