Rodney "Rod" L. Martin, 80, Formerly of Avon Park, Florida and hometown resident of St. Marys, Ohio, entered into his eternal home at 6:50 pm on May 3, 2021 at Vancrest of St. Marys, Ohio with loved ones by his side.

He was born on October 5, 1940 to Norman "Sam" and Florence Martin in Lima, Ohio. He was married for 47 years to his wife Vonalee, "Vonnie" [Finke} Martin.

They shared two children, a daughter, Paige [Rick] Canfield of St. Marys, Ohio and son, Paul Martin of Toledo, Ohio. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Tyler L. [Molly] Hartsock of St. Marys and Noah M. Hartsock of St. Marys. A great granddaughter, Renlie Gayle Hartsock of St. Marys. Brother, Joe [Patty] Martin of Montezuma, Ohio. He had 3 step grandsons in Seattle, Washington, 2 step great grandsons in Seattle, Washington, 1 step great grandson of St. Marys, Ohio and 1 step great granddaughter of New Knoxville, Ohio and 3 nieces, Heather [Darrin] Porter of Celina, Carissa Martin and Lori Oregon of North Carolina and 1 nephew, Dustin [Rona] Martin of Florida. Several cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Florence Martin, wife, Vonalee Martin, brother, Gerald E. Martin, nephew Jaysen Martin and great nephew Jaysen Hone. Several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.

He was a 1958 graduate of Memorial High School in St. Marys, Ohio. He was a Veteran of the US Navy from May 1958 to September of 1961 and was onboard the USS Saratoga. He was a life member of both The VFW Post # 9288 of St. Marys, Ohio, The American Legion Post # 323 of St. Marys, Ohio and was an Elks member of the Sebring Florida Post # 1529. He retired from Minster Machine, in Minster, Ohio after 38 years of being an electrician there. He was a volunteer fireman years ago for the township of St. Marys One of his greatest loves was dancing. He and Vonnie enjoyed Western style square dancing and was in the Tri-Squares Dance Club of St. Marys, Ohio for many years. He traveled all over dancing and enjoyed line dancing as well with other close friends. NASCAR was one of his favorite sports to watch but also enjoyed watching his grandsons when they played in their sporting events.

Later in life Rodney became a world traveler and traveled to many different countries and still enjoyed his dancing. He also loved the activities and friendships he acquired while living at Lake Bonnet Village in Avon Park Florida.
He loved his animals and enjoyed gardening. He was quite savvy with social media and meeting new friends but nothing compared to the friendships he gained on his journey through life in St. Marys and Avon Park.

Funeral rites will be held 8:00 P.M. Thursday, May 6, 2021, at Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home, 314 W. High Street, St. Marys, Ohio with Pastor Bob Sweeney, officiant. There will be Military Honors following the funeral services. Private family burial of his ashes will take place at a later date at Elm Grove Cemetery and Ashes will be scattered on Lake Bonnet in Avon Park, Florida.

Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home, where memorial gifts can be donated to either St. Paul's UCC of St. Marys, Ohio [Breaking Bread] Organization, Grand Lake Hospice or to the Fun Club at Lake Bonnet Village [LBV] Avon Park, Florida, which was one of his greatest pleasures.

Condolences may be sent to Rod's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.