Martin F. Traynor's Obituary
Big Rapids Martin F. Traynor, 69, of Norwich Township, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids. He was born October 9, 1939, in Big Rapids, the son of Evan and Iva (Hiller) Traynor, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1958. That same year, Martin enlisted in the United States Army, serving faithfully for 25 years. He was a much decorated veteran, including receiving the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters for injuries sustained during his tours in Vietnam. Following his discharge, he returned to Norwich Township, where he spent time on the family farm. When not at the farm, he was a school bus driver for Pineview School from 1982 until the school closed in 1994. Martin also enjoyed woodworking and hunting in his spare time. On October 8, 1960 he married Donna S.Wiles, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons, Evan (Kim) of Reed City, Tom (Rochelle) of Big Rapids, Dennis (Rhonda) of Big Rapids, Martin, Jr. Spike (Lore) of Paris; 10 grandchildren; 2 sisters Ellen Shroyer and Lula Midge Bechtel of Big Rapids; 3 sisters-in-law, Betty Traynor and Shirley Traynor of Big Rapids, Sandy (Ronald) Mercer of Las Vegas, NV; and many nieces and nephews. Martin was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Charles and his wife Amy, Leon, and Ray, a sister Anna Woolard, and a niece Sylvia Becker. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 19, 2008, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Foster Brummel officiating. Burial will be in the Hiller Cemetery in Brohman. Memorial contributions for the American Cancer Society may be left in care of the funeral home, where Martins family will greet friends after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. A luncheon and time for sharing will be at the Norwich Township Hall following the services on Sunday.
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