Christian "Christy" F. Martin, 86, of Ephrata, entered into rest at his residence on Friday, March 6, 2009.

Born in Ephrata Township, he was a son of the late Christian H. and Elizabeth (Felpel) Martin and was the husband of the late Kathryn (Mease) Martin who passed away in January of last year. They were married for 60 years.

A life member of the Cocalico Post #3376 V.F.W., he served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He worked as an oil burner repairman for Sico for 30 years, retiring in 1984.

He is survived by his son, Gary N., husband of Pamela (Becker) Martin of Lititz, three brothers: George Martin of Inverness, FL, Melvin Martin of Penryn, and Curtis Martin of Denver, four sisters: Bertha, wife of Horace Mast of Elverson, Elizabeth "Betty", wife of Jake Coleman of Elmer, NJ, Rosella Clugston of Rothsville, and Sara, wife of Daniel Nafziger of Smoketown, 2 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Clarence, Ted, Alvin, William and Henry and two sisters, Ethel Halligan and Violet Westley.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at 7 PM, at the Stradling Funeral Home, 201 Church Avenue, Ephrata, with Pastor Steven Hess officiating. Interment will be private in the Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery, East Cocalico Township, with military honors being accorded by the Red Rose Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions in Christian's memory may be sent to Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or to the Susquehanna Association for the Blind, 244 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata. (Lnacster Newspapers, 3/7/2009)