David Bruce Martin, born July 5, 1948, he passed away peacefully, on August 2, 2015 at his home on Hoover Hill after a long struggle with cancer. He was 67.
David was born in Uniontown, the son of Clarence V. and Dorothy Lee Fike Martin of Masontown, PA.
He is survived by the following siblings: Jeffrey V. Martin and wife Denise of German Township; Nancy Lee Kelley of Pataskala, Ohio; Frank E. Martin and wife Sandra of Masontown; and Thomas H. Martin of San Francisco.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marcia A. Barnhart, and his brother-in-law Douglas A. Kelley.
Uncle David was a guiding force and role model for his nephews and nieces and their families. They are: Erin Ness and her husband Ben of Pataskala, Ohio; Charla Bennett and her husband Larry of Massillon, Ohio; Christopher V. Martin of Arlington, Virginia; Cleveland Seel III and his wife Kim of Baltimore, Maryland; F. Elliot Martin II and his wife Amanda of Masontown; Jesse B. Martin of German Township; Tim Kelley and fianc Stephanie Hoover of Columbus, Ohio; Michael P. Martin and his wife Ines of State College; and Alyson Barnhart, Elspeth Barnhart and Mason Barnhart of Mount Airy, Maryland.
David especially treasured his grandnieces and grandnephews: They are Madison Seel, Cleveland Seel IV, Eli Martin, Maggie Ness, Riley Bennett, and Olive Martin. Their visits with Uncle Dave meant laughter, campfires, hot dogs, and usually fireworks!
The second of the six Martin kids, David was named after his Grandfather Bruce Fike and an orphan boy his Mom had helped care for during her senior year at Hood College.
His youth was spent riding ponies, working on the family farm, and driving Chevrolets too fast. He was a proud member of the AG Class of 1966 and kept in close contact with his friends, many of whom were in the marching band with him. He loved jazz and "The Girl from Ipanema."
A Viet Nam veteran, David served in the United States Army and was a faithful, active member of American Legion Post 423 and VFW Post 4584, currently serving as chaplain of both posts. He drove veterans and their families in his red 1962 Impala convertible more times than anyone can remember. He faithfully served at the gravesides of his fellow veterans.
Dave was a proud alumnus of Davis and Elkins College, returning for alumni events and supporting numerous improvements to his alma mater's facilities and academic projects.
Prior to retirement, David was the Vice President and cashier of The Second National Bank of Masontown and a member of the Board of Directors. It is not an exaggeration to say David loved the bank. He worked to keep it local and when it was sold, he retired.
David took great pride in and was active in our family's Century Farm. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Carmichaels Grange.
He lived in Masontown almost his entire life, a life he spent in service to his hometown.
A Masontown Rotarian for over 40 years, he served as the club's President, was a benefactor and major donor to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, and a sustaining member of the Paul Harris Society. Even during his illness, David attended Rotary meetings and managed to attend this year's Annual 4th of July children's races.
He was an Elder and lifelong member of The First Presbyterian Church of Masontown, presently serving as church treasurer.
He was instrumental in the founding of the Masontown Community Kitchen mission.
A 32 degree Free and Accepted Scottish Rite Mason and a Past Master of Masontown Valley Lodge 459, David was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award in the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, NMJ.
David was a member of the Uniontown BPO Elks Lodge 370, served on the German-Masontown Public Library Board, and was a long time member of the Uniontown Country Club.
David loved to travel the world and to explore every little out-of-the-way country road. From Europe, to Puerto Rico and "from sea to shining sea," if there was a winding lane with a little store, odds were good that he had been there, had swapped stories with the people he had met, and had purchased something sweet to share when he got home.
David liked to take his time before making up his mind. Hand him a menu, he read every bit of it! Hanging out with David and being in a hurry were simply incompatible!
David was the "go to guy." Whether someone needed friendship or just a ride, he was there.
Friends will be received at the Haky Funeral Home, Inc., 515 N. Main St., Masontown, PA, on Wednesday August 5, 2015 from 1-4 & 6-9 p.m.; additional visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2015 from 10-11 a.m. the hour of service in The First Presbyterian Church of Masontown., with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kisner officiating.
Interment will be held in Church Hill Cemetery, McClellandtown, Pa.
Military honors will be accorded by the Fort Mason American Legion Post #423 & Faith-Gray-McArdle VFW Post 4584.
The Valley Lodge #459 F&AM will hold Masonic services on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.
In lieu of flowers, David's family asks that you make a donation in his name to the charity of your choice.