May 1, 2021
COLUMBIANA — Ernest D. Martin, faithful pastor of Midway Mennonite Church from 1951 to 1989, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 19, 2021, at the age of 96.
Son of Daniel C. and Mamie (Yoder) Martin, Ernest married Rosetta M. Blosser on August 28, 1949. He was preceded in death by Rosetta and one grandson Kurt Martin.
He leaves one foster sister Leona (Darrel) Diener; three children Susan (Alan Beuscher), Timothy (Nancy) Martin, and Nathan (Barb) Martin; seven grandchildren Jesse (Jessica) Martin, Brian (Kate) Martin, Jeffrey (Karin) Martin, Rachel (Rich) Brinke, Julie (David) Rust, Katie (Jordan) Brown and Kyle (Sarah) Martin; and several great grandchildren. Ernest was well known beyond his local church as an author and church conference leader. He wrote many Bible study materials including a Believers Church Commentary on Colossians & Philemon, and most recently a guide “Toward a Biblical Theology of Marriage.” He helped his denomination open up new opportunities for women in ministry; he also promoted vital pastor peer support groups for many younger colleagues in ministry.