Jackie "Jack" Hall Martin

Jackie (Jack) Hall Martin, 83, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away on February 9, 2024, at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo, Michigan surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on December 17, 1940, to Park and Wanda (Hall) Martin in Buffalo, WV. He graduated from Buffalo High School in Buffalo, WV, Class of 1958. Shortly after graduation, Jack's family moved to Battle Creek and on July 1, 1961, he married the bride of his life, Barbara Conley in Battle Creek, MI.

For the next few years, Jack worked various jobs in the area. In 1961 he started as a full time Battle Creek Firefighter for several years. He then began his career as a Motor Coach Driver and continued to be a volunteer firefighter as well. Jack spent 30 years driving with Greyhound Lines until he retired in 1995. After retirement, Jack continued to drive part-time for many different companies, and is well known for his driving ability and great hugs!

Jack has been a passionate, charter member of Grace Fellowship Baptist Church since 2014, active in the Choir, and Monday Night Men’s Group. He held in high regard, his membership with Battle Creek Optimist Club, of which he served as President in 1997, and his membership on the Advisory Board of Salvation Army. Jack especially enjoyed collecting baseball style caps and was an avid reader of both Louis L’Amour and William Johnstone's western books. He loved old trucks and cars, even a race car here and there, as well as talking about his trips and experiences while on tours. But nothing came closer to his heart than spending time with his family and friends.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara; son, David Martin of Kalamazoo, MI; daughter, Michelle (Douglas) Thorne of Athens, MI; grandchildren, Tyler Thorne of Los Angeles, CA, Dustin Thorne of Grand Haven, MI, Gabriel Martin of Battle Creek, and Makenna Martin of Kalamazoo; brothers, Eugene (Barbara) Martin of Battle Creek, Park Martin, Jr. of Jackson, MI and half-brother, Rick (Connie) Martin of Charleston, WV. Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by mother, Wanda (Martin) Sykes; father, Park Martin, Sr; grandparents, Tom and Minnie (Henson) Hall, and Frank and Amanda (Raynes) Martin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 16, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Battle Creek, with Pastor John Adams officiating. Entombment will follow at Battle Creek Memorial Park, 2435 W. Territorial Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, 4790 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.