Darrell Franklin Martin, age 72, of Kingwood, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital.
He was born Aug. 17, 1951, in Grafton, a son of the late William Bliss “Bud” Martin and Vesta Ruth (Colebank) Martin.
Darrell graduated from Tunnelton High School, class of 1969. He received his bachelors and masters degrees from West Virginia University. He was a member of various professional educator organizations. He taught and coached basketball at Albright Elementary School, and served as principal at Newburg, Rowlesburg, and South Preston over a period of 38 years. He was delighted when he encountered former students.
Darrell enjoyed playing and watching sports and hunting whitetail deer. He played basketball and softball with friends and family. He enjoyed attending and traveling to Mountaineer football and basketball games and Pittsburgh Pirates games. He was a member of the Kingwood Lions Club and could often be found working their events.
Darrell was devoted to his wife of 50 years, Barbara (Metheny) Martin, they were united in marriage June 9, 1973. He was a caring and loving father to son and daughter-in-law, Luke and Karen Martin of Erie, Colo., and his daughter and son-in-law, Jenni and Michael Shahan of Morgantown, and an adoring grandfather to his only grandchild, Macy Shahan. He is also survived by his brother, Francis Martin, and sister, Janice Hirst, both of Kingwood, and many nieces and nephew.
In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his sisters, Evelyn Sanders, Betty Lou Martin, Jean Bolyard, and Lora Bolyard; and his infant brother, Gary Martin.
Friends may call at Kingwood Funeral Home, 295 S. Price St., Kingwood, from 2-6 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 18, and Friday, from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 19, at the funeral home with Pastor Mike Harriman officiating. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to: Friends Through Cancer, P.O. Box 58, Kingwood, WV 26537.
Condolences:
www.kingwoodfuneralhomewv.com
