Frederick P. Martin

Frederick P. "Fred" Martin, 82, of Battle Creek, died July 16, 2017. Fred was born March 17, 1935 in Bellevue to Ralph and Ellen (Jaquay) Martin. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1954. Fred served his country honorably in the U.S. Army for 6 years.

Fred married the former Shirley A. Banks on June 2, 1962. They enjoyed 55 happy years of marriage. Fred worked for the U.S. Postal Service, Ralston's, and later retired from the Federal Center as a mailroom clerk.

Fred was an avid baseball fan, faithfully cheering on the Detroit Tigers. Fred and Shirley were very active in many ways in baseball around the Battle Creek area. They hosted players from the former Battle Creek Yankees and the Battle Creek Devil Rays for several seasons. Fred also enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family. Most of all, Fred is fondly remembered as one who loved serving the youth of the Battle Creek community as a coach of baseball, softball, and floor hockey for over 31 years, resulting in 2 international floor hockey tournament championships. In 2012, Fred was inducted into the Battle Creek Area Amateur Sports Association and Michigan Amateur Baseball Association Wall of Fame at C.O. Brown Stadium. Fred was also a devoted patron and supporter of Battle Creek Central High School sports and fine arts programs.

Fred is survived by his wife, Shirley; two sons, Christopher (Lynne) Martin and Todd (Vicki) Martin; a daughter, Kimberly (Eric) Jankowski; 8 beloved grandchildren, Helena Jankowski, Frederick Jankowski, Colin Jankowski, Rebecca Jankowski, William Jankowski, Isabelle Martin, Lucas Martin, and Samuel Martin; two sisters, Anna Sanders and Cora Martin, and several nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Barbara Sager and a brother, Ralph Martin.

Friends and family will be received Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where funeral services to celebrate Fred's life will be 12:00 p.m., Thursday, July 20, officiated by Rev. Robert G. Muirhead. Casual attire and attire representing a favorite Michigan sports team is welcomed. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund or the American Heart Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.