Harold Ray Martin, Wakarusa, died on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, at Beardsley House Assisted Living. He was 88. Harold was born on July 7, 1928, in Wakarusa, to Monroe and Annette (Shaum) Martin. Harold was a member of the Old German Baptist New Conference.

In 1948, he married Verla Jean (Wenger) and together they had five children: Keith Eugene (Elsie) Martin, Nappanee; Karen Sue (Daryl) Oberholzer, Nappanee; Joyce Renee Martin, Fishers; Brenda Kay (David) Crist, Greenville, Ohio; and Danette Ray (Larry) Martin, Goshen.

After assisting local farmers with butchering, Harold and Verla Jean built and opening Martin’s Custom Butchering in 1967. They worked side by side for years as Martin’s Custom Butchering grew from a small homegrown startup to a widely respected community business. This growth contributed, in part, to Harold’s dedication to the store and his customers. Harold could often be found at the cutting table whistling as he worked and chatting with those around him. He loved to catch up with his customers and employees alike. A family man, Harold loved to hold the newest members of the family, and wrestle the more rambunctious members into shape with a noogie or two from his large hands. He will be greatly missed.

Harold is survived by his devoted wife: Verla Jean; his five children; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; his sisters: Margaret (James) Ramer, Goshen; Carrie Ramer, Nappanee; Verna (Merle) Zimmerman, Goshen; and Carol (Ray) Eberly, Pennsylvania. He is preceded in death by his parents: Monroe and Annette (Shaum) Martin; siblings: Maynard Marton; Lizzie Hoover Monroe Martin Jr.; Gerald Martin; Kenneth Martin; and Charles Martin; and grandchildren: Arlen Martin; and Twyla Damm.

Visitation will be held at Cornerstone Mennonite Church, Nappanee, between CR 11 CR 13, across from the RMYC, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, and Saturday, Sept. 3. Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, all at the Cornerstone Mennonite Church. Ministers Donald Peters, Shane Oberholzer and Trent Bowman will officiate. Burial will follow at the Yellow Creek Old German Baptist Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Beardsley House.

Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.