Kenneth Reed Martin

Kenneth “Ken” Reed Martin, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and retired United States Air Force veteran, passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ken dedicated much of his life to the service of his country. He served honorably in the United States Air Force for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. His military career took him to Thailand, England, and numerous assignments across the United States. Throughout his service and beyond, Ken embodied the values of discipline, loyalty, and integrity, which guided both his professional and personal life.

Above all else, Ken was a family man. He was the beloved husband of Etheline (née Walker) for 53 years and a devoted father to his three children, offering steady guidance, wisdom, and support. In his later years, he found immense joy in his four grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and happiness.

Ken will be fondly remembered for his selfless dedication to his family, his willingness to help others, his love of his wife’s native Ireland, his passion for Roman history, his gift for detailed storytelling, his warm sense of humor, and his unwavering loyalty to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ken is survived by his children: son Thornton Martin; daughter Heather Rodrigues (David); and son Sean Martin (Christine). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Breanna and Ethan Rodrigues, and Felix and Liam Martin, as well as his brother, Karl Martin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Etheline; his parents, Reed and Florence Martin; and his sisters, Mary Ann and Flossie.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on February 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Emerald Coast Autism Center in Niceville, Florida, a cause dear to Ken’s heart.

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