Harold Francis Martin

Harold Francis Martin, age 92, of Grants Pass, died Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Highland House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Redwood Country Church with Pastor Ken Bern officiating. Private interment was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to New Hope Christian School, 5961 New Hope Road, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527 or Gospel Rescue Mission, PO Box 190, Grants Pass, Oregon 97528.

Harold was born November 17, 1920 in Rogue River, Oregon to George Paulin Martin and Frances Ann (Neevel) Martin. His family owned and operated Martin Dairy which supplied dairy products to the military during World War II. While attending Rogue River High School he played tennis and was competitive at the state level. After high school graduation he attended Biola University. In 1944 he moved to Grants Pass and lived in Southern Oregon all his life. In the late 40s and early 50s he served as lay pastor at Hugo, Merlin, and Jerome Prairie Bible Churches. He was also a home builder in Grants Pass in the 50s before moving to Cave Junction to work with his brothers, Robert, George, and Ed, on a dairy operation they jointly owned, Illivale Farms. In 1960 he entered the real estate field initially working for Southern Oregon Real Estate. He was later a real estate broker for United Farm Agency until his retirement.

Harold was a founding director of New Hope Christian School and served faithfully in that capacity for 45 years. He loved his Lord and Savior and served Him faithfully all his life.

Harold volunteered as part of a team that conducted worship services at Royale Gardens and Highland House for many years. He also supported the Gospel Rescue Mission.

He enjoyed woodworking and loved to work with myrtlewood making tables, clocks, trays, lamps, etc. He also loved word puzzles and crossword puzzles. He greatly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include five children, Michael Lee Martin of Cedaredge, Colorado, Marilyn Annette Bowdoin of Grants Pass, Oregon, Larre Franklin Martin of Grants Pass, Oregon, Duane Harold Martin of Lancaster, California and Bruce Alden Martin of Grants Pass, Oregon; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and two sisters-in-law, Opal and Reatha.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Robert, George, Edward, and James.