Clarence ”sonny” E. Martin

Clarence “Sonny” E. Martin, age 68, of New Philadelphia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, April 23, 2010, following a lengthy illness.Born at East Sparta, Ohio on June 14, 1941, Sonny was a son to the late Edward Martin, Sr. and Oranna (McNutt) Martin.Through the years Sonny was employed by a number of area firms including the former Union Cheese at Baltic where he served as a supervisor for the company.Sonny loved the Lord and enjoyed ministering to others. He loved to share Christ’s love through the use of song and was known for his talent as a gospel vocalist.Additionally, he loved his family and being a friend to anyone he encountered and never thought twice about starting up a conversation with a stranger and sharing stories.Sonny will be deeply missed by his wife of forty-eight years, Ruth M. Martin; a son, Jeff Martin of Warren, Ohio; two daughters, Ruth Ann (Stephen) Moles of Canton and Debra Walker of Marysville, Ohio; siblings, William (Barbara) Martin of Bolivar, Darlene (David) Berry of New Philadelphia, Mary (David) Abbuhl of Massillon, Naomi Martin, and Daniel (Karol) Martin all of New Philadelphia; a brother-in-law, Merlyn Immel of Dundee; and a sister-in-law, Jane Martin of Strasburg.Two granddaughters, Heather Mann of Georgia, and Misty Thomas of Strasburg; two grandsons, Christian Walker of Georgia and Gary Walker of Florida; two great-grandsons as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his step-mother, Norma Martin; a brother, Edward Martin, Jr. and two sisters, Carol Immel and Gloria Bailey.The family will receive friends one hour prior to services, on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, from 2:00 â?? 3:00 PM in the Chapel of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Earl Miller will lead a service celebrating Sonny’s life on Tuesday at 3:00 PM. In keeping with Sonny’s wishes cremation will follow.Memorial contributions in Sonny’s name may be directed to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.