Sheldon G. Martin

Sheldon Grant Martin, 92, of Lancaster, PA, formerly of Kingston, NY, passed away Monday, September 5, 2022, at Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, PA, with his family nearby. He was born May 5, 1930, in Highland, NY, son of the late William Martin, Sr. and Mabel (Johnson) Martin.

Sheldon married Jean Thomas of Poughkeepsie, NY, in 1958. They served God together in various spheres in the Kingston area and in their later years, they were described as inseparable as they served others. They would often be seen holding hands, a symbol of their mutual support. They became a beautiful testimony to the fidelity, companionship and faithfulness of marriage.

Sheldon provided for his family by working at Hercules, Port Ewen, as Commercial Products Laboratory Supervisor for 32 years. He was an active member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Kingston where he served as usher, choir member, trustee, and member of the Governing Board. Upon retirement, he became a member of Harvest Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, and served in the kitchen. He volunteered in the retirement community by driving residents to their doctor appointments and by caring for their rose gardens.

His love of Country and its freedoms prompted his service in the Town of Esopus Conservative Party where he served as Chairman and Vice Chairman, and as committeeman for over 30 years. He was Treasurer of the Executive Committee for the Ulster County Conservative Party for 7 years. For nearly 30 years he regularly attended the County Legislature meetings, hoping to have a good impact on the community.

Sheldon lived a life of service to others, motivated by a love for God, family, and friends. He and his family visited nursing homes for decades, desiring to demonstrate care and affirm the dignity of the residents. He was a gifted gardener, so he cared for the grounds at the churches he attended. He enjoyed cooking, so he blessed others by visiting and bringing a gift of homemade soup. He worked in church kitchens during VBS, fellowship meals, and invited visitors home for dinner after church. He volunteered renovating and painting at his children’s homes and church properties. Wherever he saw a need and thought he could help, he was there with a willing spirit, capable hands, and a strong work ethic.

Sheldon is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Martin of Lancaster, PA, his children, Sheldon J. Martin of Poughkeepsie, and Deborah J. Elmendorf and her husband Dan,  of West Shokan, his grandchildren, Timothy Elmendorf and his wife Abby, Stephen Elmendorf and his wife Mengli, Nathan Elmendorf and his wife Karen, and Rachel Scott and her husband Andrew, 10 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Joyce E. Jansen, William C. Martin, Jr., and August L. Martin.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. A graveside service will be held at 10:30am on Friday September 9, 2022, at Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery, Kingston. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Redeemer Broadcasting Inc., PO Box 1520, Olivebridge, NY 12461. A tribute for Sheldon can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.