Duane Richard Martin

Duane Richard Martin of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 15, 2023, at the age of 88. Duane was born January 28, 1935. He was a foster child living in numerous places in Eaton Rapids, including, the Miller Farms, the VFW National Home for Children, and many thanks for the following people for taking him in as well: Luman and Luella Klink, Charlie Campbell and Herbert Gates, Sr. Being a father was an important role for him and it was one that he took on lovingly full time while farming his land. Duane worked for the Lansing School District as a painter and was a Maintenance Director at the Dimondale Nursing Center for many years. He was a member of Robbins United Methodist Church, the Eaton Rapids Chapter FFA, was the leader of the 4-H Club Borderline Wonders, a 4-H softball coach that went all the way to the State Finals, member of the American and Michigan Corriedale Sheep Breeders Association holding many officer positions, the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association, was the 1993 Premier Sheep Breeder at the Michigan State Fair, and a wool buyer. He spent winters in Zephyrhills and loved restoring tractors.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lois Martin; daughters, Kim (Steven) Koth of South Haven, MI, Teresa (Robert) Wallo of Gregory, MI; grandchildren, Joshua (Angela) Salow-Leatherberry, Gregory Wallo, Stacy (Craig) Rehmann, Michelle (Travis) Pietsch, Eric Robert Duane (Julie) Leatherberry; great grandchildren, Ethan, Hendrix, Kayden, Jemma, Kenley, Emily, Annabelle, and Jillian; finally, his dog, Ginny, who was his best friend. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Timothy Edward Salow and several siblings.

Memorial services were held Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartwood Schools, 625 Hagadorn Rd, Mason, MI 48854. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.