Raymond F. "Ray" Martin

Raymond Francis Martin, 99, of Hamilton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Berkeley Square. Raymond was born in Middletown, Ohio, on July 31, 1926, to the late Herbert and Rose (Beck) Martin. A 1944 graduate of Trenton High School, Ray married Dorothy Carolyn Burns on November 27, 1948. They shared 76 years of marriage before Dorothy's passing on July 26, 2024. Ray and Dorothy began their married life as dairy farmers and later raised their four children—Daniel, Steven, David, and Pamela—on their beef, swine, and grain farm. Farming was not only their livelihood but also a way of life that centered on family, hard work, and service to the community. For many years, the Martin family hosted Farm-City Tours on their farm, welcoming families from across Butler County to learn firsthand about agriculture and farming operations. Through these tours, Ray helped foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the agricultural community. Ray and his family received the Ed Zorn Award in recognition of their many contributions and achievements in agriculture as well as the Soil and Water Conservation District Cooperator Award. A dedicated community leader, Ray served on numerous boards including Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Farm Bureau, Landmark, and the Cattleman’s Association, and was a member of several organizations including Butler County Soil Conservation and Butler County Pork Producers. Ray and Dorothy were devoted supporters of the Butler County Fair and took great pride in watching their children compete throughout many years of participation. In his earlier years, Ray also served as a 4-H advisor, mentoring and encouraging countless young people as they pursued their agricultural interests and developed valuable life skills. He was a member of the Edgewood School Board during the first eight years of the district's existence and also served as President of the Edgewood Athletic Boosters. Ray was instrumental in developing a community fundraising initiative that encouraged residents to donate $100 each toward the construction of the football stadium now known as Kumler Field. The effort united the community in support of the newly consolidated school district and proved to be highly successful. Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his parents, Herbert and Rose Martin; brothers Herbert (Evelyn), Frederick (Kay), and Thomas (Carolyn) Martin; sister Mildred (John); grandson Todd Martin; and son-in-law James Cottle. He is survived by his children, Daniel (Linda) Martin, Steven (Barbara) Martin, David (Ranae) Martin, and Pamela Cottle; grandchildren Brian (Jill), Bradley, Krystle, Zachary, Alexander (Katie), and Kelsey; great-grandchildren Jaxson, Lilli, Josie, Lakota, and Blake; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on June 24, 2026, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 222 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, Ohio. Burial will follow immediately at Miltonville Cemetery in Madison Township. A reception for family and friends will be held in the Parish Hall at Holy Name following the burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Butler County United Way, Queen City Hospice, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.weigelfuneralhome.com.

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Raymond F. "Ray" Martin

July 31, 1926 - June 17, 2026