Obituaries

Michael Ray Martin, 61, of Walton, KY, passed into eternal rest enveloped by the love of family and friends at his home in the early morning on September 30, 2025. Born in Covington, KY, on June 6, 1964, he was the son of Raymond Reed Martin and Ruby Francis Vinson Martin.

Mike was not a simple guy, but he enjoyed simple, uncomplicated albeit, eclectic things. Analytical and intelligent, Mike took his retirement from Fortress Safety and Interlocking just this previous spring. He relished muscle and classic cars; reveling in their builds, maintenance, specs and stats. Mike, however, defied conventional labels. His free time wasn’t just laden with the care of various cars but also with computer gaming (Doom, Skyrim, Starcraft and the Original Witcher) as well as watching movies and television with his family (Godzilla, King Kong, The Lord Of The Rings, anything with Bruce Campbell, Breaking Bad; all sorts of shows streaming on Britbox, just to name a few).

Slow at first to speak, Mike’s quiet demeanor would soon bloom into a full-blown “gift of gab” once he got to know you. Possessing a kind heart, Mike’s aura was infused with generosity and devotion to those he cared about and kept close.

Mike was the beloved dad of Erin Martin, Hannah Martin, and Jeremy (Kait) Martin; dear son of Ruby Martin; treasured uncle of Robert (Lillian) Martin and Phoenix (Nina) Martin as well as great uncle of 3 great-nephews and 1 great niece. Mike’s memory will be cherished by longtime companion and former wife Lisa Larison. Additionally, the friendship shared by Mike and best friend/work colleague Mark Gilvin will endure forever. Mike was preceded in death by brothers Donald “Donnie” Martin and Robert “Bobby” Martin as well as his father, Raymond Martin.

Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another’s company, and honor Mike on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 3:00 PM until shortly before the funeral service at 5:00 PM, at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. Following the services, Mike’s cremation will take place. Memorial donations can be made online in Mike’s name to American Cancer Society.