Virgil R. Martin

Virgil R. Martin, 78, of Goshen, died Tuesday night, August 30, 2011, in ICU, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. He suffered a heart attack earlier in the day at work. He was born June 25, 1933 in Nappanee to the late Homer and Emma (Kilmer) Martin. On October 29, 1971 he married Laura Ann Hetler at Trinity Lutheran Church. She survives. Also surviving are six daughters, Janet (Jerry) Hershberger of Goshen, Peggy Magers of Wakarusa, Lisa (Barry) Younghans, Libby (Jim) Morrical, Julie (Bodie) Stegelmann, and Michelle (Steve) Kercher all of Goshen; 21 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Nelson R. (Mary) Martin of Goshen; and three sisters, Mary (James) Christophel of Goshen, Dorothy (Mel) Keim of Staunton, Virginia, and Erma (Leon) Yost of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by a son, Philip Keidaish, Jr., in 2008; a son-in-law, Kevin Magers, in 2007; a granddaughter, Heidi Hershberger; and a great-granddaughter, Jasmine Hershberger, both in 2001. A lifetime area resident, Mr. Martin was co-founder of Martin Brothers Contracting, Inc., Goshen. A 1951 graduate of Nappanee High School, he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Indiana Flying Farmers and Goshen Aero Club. A private pilot, he enjoyed fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, camping, and traveling. Friends may call 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 202 S. Greene Road, Goshen. His body will lie in state for one hour prior to the 10 a.m. service on Saturday, September 3, 2011. Pastor John Hickey will officiate. Burial will follow be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Window.