"In My Father's house are many dwelling places... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
- John 14:2-3 (NASB)

With heavy hearts, yet with the hope and promise of eternal life, we announce the passing of Daniel Richard Martin, who entered into his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 21, 2026, at the age of 80. While our hearts grieve his absence, we take comfort in knowing that he now rests safely and with peace in the loving arms of Jesus. Born on March 19, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dan lived a life filled with love, laughter, unwavering faith, and devotion to his family.

He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and later supported and sponsored Vietnamese families who relocated to the United States. His dedication to his country remained a source of pride throughout his life.

Dan spent much of his adult life in Milford, Ohio, where he built a home with his wife, Brenda, and raised their two daughters, Cynthia and Danielle. A devoted Christian, Dan was an active member of his church and read his Bible every night. When his daughters were young, he faithfully led the Lord's Prayer with them each evening before bed.

Dan had a zest for life and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, his delicious steaks and burgers (always cooked on a Weber charcoal grill because, in his opinion, no fancy propane grill could ever compete), impromptu trips for ice cream, and his playful traditions surrounding songs, holidays, the "big white pontiac," Groundhog Day, and, of course, the infamous "ber" months.

Coming from a very large family meant that everyone couldn't fit around one holiday table, but one thing was certain: Dan would stop by the kitchen first to make sure any necessary taste testing had been taken care of before proudly claiming his spot at the front of the holiday feast line. He felt deeply and expressed his emotions honestly, but no matter the disagreement or difference of opinion, he was always the first person to show up when family needed him. Whether someone's power had gone out, they needed gas, a ride, help moving something, or simply another set of hands, Dan was always there.

He also knew exactly what he liked and never wavered, especially when it came to Cincinnati chili. Skyline was, without question, the best, and the Skyline in downtown Milford was his place. For years, he could be found at the counter enjoying a 4-Way and a cheese coney with a little hot sauce alongside his wife, daughters, or his brother-in-law Charlie. It was the kind of place where everyone knew his name and even greeted him with tableside bib service to make sure he didn't splash chili on his shirt. Dan was equally devoted to his Cincinnati Bengals and remained a loyal fan through every season, whether they won or lost. Anyone who knows Cincinnati football knows that kind of loyalty isn't for the faint of heart.

Dan will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity, and unwavering support of those he loved. Family was always his greatest joy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda Martin; his beloved daughters, Cynthia Martin and Danielle Martin; his son-in-law, Andrea Bonezzi; his sister, Linda Martin; and his granddaughters, Lily and Ana Bonezzi. He is also survived by the extended family who always held a special place in his heart, including his sisters-in-law Bonnie Fazio, Phyllis Park, Betty Owens, and Ruth Broughton; his brothers-in-law Franklin D. Broughton and Ken Park; and his many nieces and nephews, all of whom will forever remember having their hands dunked into their birthday cakes by Uncle Dan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dorothy Martin; his parents-in-law, Pearl and Irene Broughton; his brothers-in-law Albert Broughton, Charles Broughton, Jerry Broughton, Bobby Broughton, Richard LeMaster, Jim Owens, Samuel Horton, and Gino Fazio; and his sisters-in-law Norma LeMaster, Maryanne Broughton, Verna Horton, and Patricia Broughton.

A public visitation will be held at Evans Funeral Home in Milford on July 24, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service with Military Honors at Rest Haven Memorial Park, where family and friends will gather to celebrate Dan's life and pay their final respects.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."
- Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

Dan's joyful spirit will echo in our hearts forever. His legacy of faith, love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family, country, and God will live on through all who knew him. Rest in peace, dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved. Until we meet again.