Francis "Fran" Martin

Francis Claire Martin, 71, died Thursday afternoon, February 20, 2020 at Altercare of Bucyrus under the care of Kindred Hospice after months of failing health.



Best known as Fran, he was born June 28, 1948 in Mansfield to the late Francis Leonard and Winnie Mae (Cook) Martin. Fran was named after his grandfather and raised near Lexington and in Galion. He attended Galion Schools and worked over 20 years at Food Town in Bucyrus before moving to Columbus where he managed apartment complexes.



Fran took meticulous care of his vehicles over the years and is remembered as the “cool uncle” with the red Camaro by his beloved nieces and nephews. He enjoyed visits with his family and was a huge movie buff, renting as many videos at a time as Family Video would allow. He was saved in Christ through the ministry of Bucyrus Nazarene Church and returned to his faith since moving back to the area from Columbus. Fran was baptized a few years ago, sang in the choir when his health allowed, enjoyed his front row seat at church, and made faith-based car decals for his vehicle and shared them with others. He enjoyed the companionship of many dogs over the years and worked with the Conservation League in years past.



Fran is survived by two children, Renee Adams and Jeremy (Liz) Martin; grandchildren, Micah, Ava, and Camden; brother, Bill (Janie) Martin; sister, Mary Martin; sister-in-law, Emma Martin; and nieces and nephews, Todd (Heather) Martin, Candee (Steve) Hall, Angela (Travis) Hardy, Deanna Martin, Derrick Martin, Chris (Jessica) Martin, and Tessa (Chris) Oehler.



In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son-in-law, Eric Adams; brothers, Dave Martin and Bern Martin; and three infant brothers.



Fran insisted no services be held, but those wishing to remember him with a memorial gift can make them payable to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County or a charity of the donor’s choice. Gifts will be received through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Memories and photos can be shared on Fran’s Tribute Wall.