Harold "Ken" Kenneth Martin

Harold “Ken” Kenneth Martin, 91, of Saline, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026, with his family by his side. Ken was born on March 16, 1935, in Baxter, Tennessee, to Haskel and Bertha (Lollar) Martin. He spent his early years on the family farm before later moving to Detroit. In 1963, he met the love of his life, Karen Carlson, and they were married on August 21, 1965, at the Hazel Park Church of Christ. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family. All three of their daughters were born in Royal Oak, Michigan and the family moved to Saline in 1974, where they continued to raise their daughters. Ken began his career working in retail selling men’s suits at Somerset Mall and later Briarwood Mall before transitioning into the insurance field, where he sold life insurance and annuities. Ken was a natural born salesman. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving two years in Germany. During his time there, Ken developed a lifelong love of travel. Over the years, he and Karen explored much of the United States—including Alaska and Hawaii—as well as destinations around the world such as Australia, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, the Holy Lands, and many countries throughout Europe. Ken’s greatest passion, however, was his faith. He had a deep love for the Lord and took every opportunity to share that faith with others. He was devoted to one-on-one Bible studies, often welcoming others to his kitchen table with his Bible open and a cup of coffee in hand. A quiet mentor and servant leader, Ken faithfully served as an elder for many years and as Family Life Minister at the Dexter Church of Christ and officiated many weddings. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people and made lasting impressions on everyone he met. In 2020, Ken endured a serious battle with COVID-19, spending 81 days in the hospital. During that time, people from around the world—many whose lives he had touched—reached out to his family and lifted him up in prayer. He was blessed with six more years, and even while facing dementia, he continued to form meaningful connections and friendships. Also after COVID, Ken spent many days sitting on the porch and talking to all the neighbors who happened by. Above all, Ken cherished his family. He was devoted to his beloved wife, Karen; his three daughters, Dora (Adam) Corby, Beth (Shone) Brooks, and Becki (Ryan) McLaughlin; and his treasured grandchildren, Owen Brooks, Emma Brooks, Olivia McLaughlin, and Braeden McLaughlin who called him Papa. He delighted in spending time with them—whether golfing, sharing meals, having long conversations, or enjoying special one-on-one outings that often included a stop at Dairy Queen. He was always present with a listening ear, a warm hug, and unwavering love. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and many other family members. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Karen; his three daughters and their spouses; and his four grandchildren, who were truly the lights of his life. Ken is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may join the family for visitation at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 10th, from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M. Visitation will continue on Thursday, June 11th beginning at 1:00 P.M. until the time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 P.M. A luncheon will follow at the Dexter Church of Christ, 8700 Jackson Road, Dexter. The service will be live streamed and can be viewed by visiting https://podiumvideo.biz/ Burial and Military Honors will take place on Friday, June 12th at 11:00 A.M. at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Dexter Church of Christ, Dexter Michigan or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Arrangements entrusted to Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home, Saline. To leave a memory you have of Ken or for directions, please visit www.rbfhsaline.com

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Harold "Ken" Kenneth Martin

March 16, 1935 - June 6, 2026