Roger Ware Martin

Roger Ware Martin, 93, of Wooster passed away at his home on Thursday, June 15, 2023 Roger was born on the family farm near Fredericksburg on July 11, 1929 to Willis and Mary Belle (Ware) Martin. He grew up working with his dad and brothers.  He graduated from Fredericksburg High School and attended Antioch College for one year but decided he liked farming better than college.  He met Juanita Lehman at a Christian Youth Meeting in 1950 and they were married on April 1, 1951.  They started their life together farming near Orrville and moved several times over the next eight years.  Then, in 1959 they moved to the farm in Chester Township.  The help of their three sons, Roger Lynn, Michael Jon and Steven Jay gave them the opportunity to milk cows and raise crops for many years.  In 1977 they formed a partnership with Mike and Steve known as Romist Farms.  Roger took on a part time job as a rural mail carrier.  His part time job turned into full time and he retired in 1992.   Roger returned to farming, raising beef cattle and crops, with family. After his wife’s death in 2014,  he kept assisting his son and grandson with farming tasks until his death. He and Juanita were members of Oak Chapel United Methodist Church since 1956. He assisted the church with many hands-on projects.  Roger also served on several farm agencies and they enjoyed Farm Bureau membership over the years. Surviving are sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Sharon Martin and Steven and Margaret Martin all of Wooster.  He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses, Brent and Emily Martin, Scott and Hali Martin, Zack and Mary Martin, Evie and Derek Light, Greg Martin and Melody and Patrick Reid.  Thirteen great-grandchildren complete his family. Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita along with his oldest son, Roger Lynn who died on July 14, 1967 from a bicycle accident.  His parents and siblings, Howard, Ruth, Duane, and Norma also preceded him in death. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor John Finn officiating.  A social reception will follow for friends and family at the church.  A family burial will be held prior to the service at Warner Pioneer Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to New Pittsburgh Fire and Rescue, 3311 North Elyria Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.  Murray Funeral Home is handling arrangements.