Obituary of Gary Cecil Martin

Gary Cecil Martin, 70, born on May 10, 1953 made his final climb to join his Heavenly Father on August 6, 2023. He was the son of the late Anna and Cecil Martin. Gary loved being outdoors, spending time with the people he loved and playing with his dog, Annie. He was the best mentor, friend, father, husband, and grandfather that anyone could ever ask for. Gary has a passion and love for bicycling. He was the founding member of both the Gear Pushers Bicycle Club and Fairmont Flyers Bicycle Club. He truly cherished his time with other cycling enthusiasts. Along with many other awards, he was the 1996 West Virginia State Road Bicycling Champion. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Frances Gay Martin; his daughter, Melissa Keefover (Phillip); grandchildren, Gavin Paul Martin (Kaitlyn) of North Carolina, Ashley Keefover (James Baker), Torin Martin, Phillip "Nicky" Keefover (Abigail Tillema), Loren Keefover and Trent Martin; great grandchildren, John Paul Phillips-Martin and Jensen James Baker; sisters, Betty Martin of Ohio, Kathleen Raines (Buster), and Geraldine Sanders; brother-in-law Ron Simon of Virginia; sisters-in-law Nancy Musgrave (Ron) of Indiana, and Margaret Valentine of Arkansas. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, John Paul Martin; his brother, Johnnie Paul Martin; his sister, Anna May Martin; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Simon. Gary's spirit and memory will forever be remembered through his friends from Sole's Electric, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, bicycling clubs and his family. Gary is definitely enjoying all the banana popsicles and ice cream he could ever want as he rides the hills in heaven. The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel located at 201 Columbia St. Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends may be received at the funeral home for a gathering to celebrate Gary’s life on Thursday, August 10th, 2023 from 4 P.M. until 7 P.M. A private committal and memorial bicycle ride will be held at a later time. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com