Ralph A. Martin, 96

LEWES - Ralph A. Martin of Lewes passed away Thursday, March 29, 2007, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 96.

Ralph was born in Milton, son of the late Harry and Virgie (Pettyjohn) Martin.

He worked with Delaware River and Bay Authority for many years in the maintenance department, retiring in 1977. Many years ago he worked for Stockley Cannery, and he was also a self-employed poultry farmer for 30 years.

Ralph loved bowling, golfing, harness racing and baseball, especially the Philadelphia Phillies.

He was known for his love of cats, and enjoyed caring for and feeding many of them in the neighborhood.

Ralph attended the First Baptist Church of Milford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Elsie (Marvel) Martin; a son, Ralph Martin; a brother, William Martin; and a sister, Virginia Moore.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Ina (Brewer) Martin; nine children, James Martin and his wife Joan of Lewes, Robert Martin and his wife Gwen and Bill Martin and his wife Peggy, all of Rehoboth Beach, Charles Martin and his wife Carolyn of Lewes, Betty Craven of Woodbury, N.J., Pat Gargano of Toms River, N.J., Dawn Smith and her husband Jerry of Felton, Charles Kenton of Lincoln and John Kenton of Columbia, Tenn.; 28 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Thelma Hopkins and her husband Bill of Milton; and his very good friends, Joe and Renada Wiley of Milford.

A funeral service will be Monday at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ralph"s memory be made to the First Baptist Church of Milford, 6062 Old Shawnee Road, Milford, DE 19963.