Donald E. Martin

Donald E. Martin, a retired physician whose life exemplified compassion and quiet service, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on October 16, 1929, in Hagerstown, Maryland, he was the beloved son of Samuel K. Martin and Iva P. Martin. The last surviving member of his immediate family, he was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Ellen R. (Petre) Martin, and his siblings, Mary Eby, Aletha Hostetter, Vesta Martin, Samuel W. Martin, and Elvin L. Martin, as well as nephew J. Rodney Martin, niece Eunice Eby Petre, and great-nephews Lowell and Marvin Miller.

Raised on a family farm in Hagerstown, Donald discovered his calling to medicine as a teenager, a dream supported by his mother. Despite completing only eighth grade in formal schooling, he earned his GED through the GI Bill of 1944. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite College in 1952 and from Hahnemann Medical School in 1956, the last surviving member of his close group of college friends who entered medical school together. On June 22, 1952, he married Ellen at Reiff Mennonite Church in Hagerstown. Together they raised their family while he provided medical care in Bartow and Green Bank, West Virginia, and Hagerstown for 28 years. Their devoted partnership remained a source of strength and joy until Ellen’s passing in 1996.

A man of deep faith, Donald was an active member of Hebron Mennonite Church in Hagerstown and later found community at Potter’s House and Christ House in Washington, DC. He volunteered for many years at SOME, Community of Hope, and Columbia Road Health Services, offering gentle and compassionate care to those in need. He is survived by his daughter, Mirabel Caden (born Judith Ann), and son, Douglas E. Martin (Rowena); grandchildren Ryan Q. Martin (Emily Cahill), Drew Q. Martin (fiancée Patty Bonilla), and Travis Jolly (Ariella); great-grandchildren Miles, Marlowe, and Leonora Jolly; sister-in-law Mary Wilfong; and many nieces and nephews. He was also deeply cherished by his Christ House Community—Allen Goetcheus, Mary and Bill Jordan, John Craig, Lori and Ron Spoor, Danielle and Henry Kabaghe, Mari and Jeremy Lowe—and his dear friend Gloria Gomez.

Donald found peace in nature, enjoying camping and fishing on rivers, lakes, the Chesapeake Bay, and Currituck Sound, North Carolina. He tended his gardens with care and was an avid reader of theology and medicine. Though naturally an introvert, he possessed a quick wit and became a thoughtful listener and wise counselor whose insight deepened with age. His life of faith, family, and service leaves a legacy of kindness that will continue to inspire those who knew him.