Carleton, MI - Luren "Lu" J. Martin, 97, of Carleton, Michigan, formerly of Shipshewana, died at 4:45 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at Wellspring Lutheran Services, Monroe, Michigan.

He was born on Jan, 24, 1929, in Allen, Michigan, to Erwin and Vera (Bates) Martin.

On Aug. 27, 1949, in Fort Wayne, he married Ardath Rosalee Stump. She survives.

Survivors in addition to his wife of 76 years are three children, Daniel (Yael) Martin of Jerusalem, Israel, Kimberly Martin of English, Indiana, and John (Julie) Martin of Carleton, Michigan; daughter-in-law, Nancy Benner of Michigan; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Al (Janice) Martin of Grass Lake, Michigan; and sister-in-law, Jan Martin of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Larry Martin, Steven Martin; two brothers, Daryle Martin, Bob (Amy) Martin; sister, Esther (Bill) VanDam; brother-in-law, Jack Halsey.

Lu was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church in Middlebury since 1972 and currently a member of Carleton Community Baptist Church in Carleton, Michigan.

He was the caretaker of Michiana Baptist Camp in Shipshewana for many years.

He worked at LaGrange Standard and Middlebury Independent Newspapers and at Walmart before Lu and his wife moved to Michigan in 2008.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury.

There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, Feb. 20 at Faith Baptist Church, 301 South Main Street, Middlebury. Services will be conducted by Pastor Ed Mason, Pastor Tim Pherson, and Pastor Steven Yater.

Burial will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury.

There will be a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 at Carleton Community Baptist Church, 2120 Scofield Carleton Rd, Carleton, Michigan 48117.

Memorials may be given to Faith Baptist Church Missions Fund.

Online condolences may be offered at millerstewartfuneralhome.com.