Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ronald Paul Martin

Dec. 27, 1938 - Dec. 1, 2008

South Bend Tribune 12/11/2008
SOUTH BEND - Ronald Paul Martin, 69, died suddenly in Reno, NV, on December 1st. He was born December 27, 1938, at Lake Cicott, Indiana, to Kenneth V. and Lola Oliver Martin. He leaves a wife, Lisa Freshley Martin; children, Michelle (Roger) Hedge of Lebanon, IN, Ann (Jeff) Wiser, Sherman, TX, and Christopher Martin, South Bend, IN; four grandchildren; his father, Kenneth V. Martin; and a sister, Kathleen Gallagher, South Bend, IN. He is also survived by four stepchildren, Travis, Nick, Nathan and Hannah Gaff. Preceding him in death were a brother, Richard B. Martin, and his mother, Lola Martin. Ron was a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN, until moving to Sparks, NV, in April 2002, where he became warehouse manager at The Tire Rack. Ron's career spanned nearly 50 years in the tire and automotive related business in South Bend, beginning with a Standard Oil station on Portage Avenue, Sheehan Auto Service and Car Wash on LaSalle Street, City Auto Parts, Martin Tire in Niles, MI, and finally joining The Tire Rack were he worked until his death. He was a graduate of Riley High School, South Bend, IN, and had served in the Navy. He is remembered for his friendly personality and warm smile, and will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues.