Norman L. Martin

Colonel (Ret.) Norman L. Martin passed away peacefully on October 7, 2022, at the age of 102 after a brief illness. He was born on August 6, 1920 at Edenton Farm in Cochranville, PA. He was the son of Ernest W. and Pearl E. (Pyle) Martin and was the second of nine children. All have preceded him in death. He was married for nearly 71 years to the love of his life, Phyllis Bailey Martin. Phyllis and their daughter Maureen E. Thompson also preceded him in death. He is survived by his remaining children and their spouses: Judith and James McCoy, Kathleen Cericola, JC Thompson, Daniel Martin, Barbara Martin, and Mark and Joy Martin. He has nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His immediate family, plus dozens of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends love and respect him immensely.

Norman graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1937 and the University of Maryland in 1961. Shortly thereafter, he became a meat cutter for the American Stores (later Acme Markets), working at several stores in Chester County. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army. He served in World War II and the Korean War as an infantry officer.  He held numerous other assignments Stateside, as well as ones in France and Mali, until August 1969, retiring as a Colonel. After his retirement, the family settled in West Chester. He later worked for Acme Markets in several capacities, including as Distribution Center Manager, until his second retirement in 1982.

He and Phyllis spent their retirement years focused on family and friends. They spent much of their time visiting their grandchildren in California, Florida, and Ohio. Pop Pop, as two generations know him, shared his love generously and was a prominent and present figure in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took personal interest in all the young people he encountered, in and outside of the family, taking time to really listen to them, make them feel special, and provide his perspective when appropriate. His stories, wisdom, and kindness have had a remarkable impact, and will live on in their lives.    

It was important to Norman to keep his mind and body active. He was an avid card player and shared that interest with his children and grandchildren during their visits, enjoying Wizard, Poker, Spades, and other games. Puzzles like crosswords, Sudoku, and cryptograms were a daily routine, a pastime that started as a young boy with his father. He loved sports, especially baseball, and he was an encyclopedia of sports trivia. Until the last few years, Norman kept active by working in the yard and around the house, taking walks with Phyllis, and golfing several days a week. 

Norman was an active member of the United Methodist Church of West Chester for over 50 years. He served for many years on the Church Council. He was also a 60 year member of the New London Masonic Lodge #545. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, October 14, 2022 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000, and 10:00-11:00 AM Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Methodist Church of West Chester (Memo: United Women in Faith), 129 South High Street, West Chester, PA 19382, or Children in Crisis, 1000 Luke's Way, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547.