Bernard C. Martin

Bernard C. Martin, 85, of Mulberry, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at his home.  He was born on May 16, 1932, in Yeddo, Indiana, to Clayton Riley and Doris Dee (Bonebrake) Martin.  Bernard was formerly married to Mary Ann Krammes.

As a young man, he spent many long hours working on the family farm and developing an appreciation for hard work.  In 1950, Bernard graduated from Perrysville High School, and then attended Indiana State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1955, and Master’s Degree in School Administration in 1958.  Throughout his career, Bernard was a teacher at Mulberry Elementary School before becoming their principal.  For a few years, he also served concurrently as the principal at Jefferson and Jackson  Elementary.  In addition, Bernard was also a driver and trainer for the GLPTC for many years and later Lafayette Limo.  In the 30 years he served in education and as a baseball and basketball coach, Bernard helped to positively shape the lives of hundreds of students.

Throughout his life,  Bernard enjoyed playing all sports.  He served in the United States Naval Reserves from 1951-1955 and played on the Navy baseball team out of Danville, Illinois, receiving many accolades for his talents as a pitcher.  He was scouted and was given the opportunity to play minor league baseball, but declined that offer to pursue his career in education.  Bernard especially had a passion for bringing baseball into the lives of young people.  He was responsible for setting up and organizing youth baseball in Mulberry in 1956 which Bernard was recognized for during the Mulberry 50-year celebration in 2006 at Mulberry Park.  Bernard was a champion ping pong player throughout his college and adult years, winning many tournaments and creating an avid love of the game in his children and grandchildren.  He was a master gardener, raising all varieties of vegetables and fruit.  Bernard loved going to auctions as often as he could; he enjoyed finding and collecting tools and antiques.  He also spent many hours instilling a strong work ethic in his children by teaching them how to operate equipment, work the land, the value of education, and to be independent thinkers.  With his sense of humor and wisdom he shared many important life lessons with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his children, Chylene Ann (Mark) Price, of Rossville, and Chad Aaron (Bobbi) Martin, of Sudbury, MA; grandchildren, Nathan M. Price, Evan A. Price, Brett A. Martin, Cole R. Martin, and Quinn A. Martin; sister-in-law, Luella Martin; nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Duane Hyle Martin. 

Visitation will be Thursday, May 17, 2018, from 11:00 – 1:00 pm, with funeral services at 1:00 pm at Genda Funeral Home – Mulberry Chapel.  Pastor Phil Lake will officiate.  Burial will follow at Fair Haven Cemetery.  Memorials in honor of Bernard may be made to the Mulberry Baseball Softball League, 6254 West State Road 38, Mulberry, IN 46058.  Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made by visiting www.gendafuneralhome.com