Don W. Martin

Don Wesley Martin of Worthington, Ohio passed away on August 8, 2025, with family at his side following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Columbus, Don was a proud graduate of South High School, Class of 1965. He served in the United States Air Force, with postings in Colorado, where he met his beloved wife Rosalie, and England before returning stateside and earning degrees from the Ohio State University and Capital University Law School. Don began his professional career in private practice but soon found his true calling, serving as a respected member of the Franklin County Court system for over three decades as a public defender, referee and magistrate. From his childhood to his time working for the courts, he made lifelong friendships that he cherished dearly.

Whether you knew him as Dad, Grandpa, Stinky, Duck, or Beavis, to know him was to love him. Don adored his family and was a fixture at his kids' & grandkids' events. He cherished time with friends and loved playing golf and softball (P.D. Ducks). He was a proud member of the Donatos Pizza Legacy Hall of Fame and served on the Berliner Action Team for Sports (B.A.T.S). He loved watching Indians and Buckeye games, playing the guitar and harmonica, enjoying live music (especially the Blues), and was a voracious reader, among other interests. He retired as the unofficial world champion of "pull my finger". He had an incredible memory, a gift for storytelling, and a glorious sense of humor that endured to the very end.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Bertha Martin; wife Rosalie; in-laws Eugene and Mary Padilla, and sister-in-law Helen Casillas. Don is survived by his sons Brett (Amanda) and Ryan (Tracy); grandchildren Mason, Camden, Zach, and Annelyn; sisters-in-law Cathy and Marion Padilla and nephew Michael Casillas.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 22, from 1:00–3:00 PM and 4:30–6:30 PM at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207. A private graveside memorial service with military honors for immediate family will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E. Broad Street, with Pastor Norman Moxley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Charity Newsies (charitynewsies.org) the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org) or Trinity United Church of Christ 1180 Shanley Dr, Columbus 43224.

To sign Don’s online guest book and to leave a condolence for his family please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com

Memorial Tribute Video Below

Greenlawn exit is CLOSED going SOUTH on 315. Take the 670 EAST ramp over to 3 rd. Street (through German Village) Turn RIGHT onto Whittier - LEFT onto High Street (going south) Graumlich Funeral Home will be on RIGHT side of High Street (1351 S. High St.) about 4 blocks south of Greenlawn Ave. Main Entrance just past Moler Street