Wayne Cleo Martin Jr.

    Wayne Cleo Martin, Jr., 81, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Pleasant View Communities. Born in Waynesburg, he was the son of the late Wayne C. And Marjorie (Ruth) Martin.  He was the loving husband of Noreeta (Connor) Martin.  They would have been married 58 years in July of this year.

  In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Shannon, wife of Russ Bley, and   two granddaughters, Cleo Bley and Marea Bley, all of Lititz.  He is also survived by a sister, Lynda Bunner, of Amity, as well as extended family and loved ones in western PA.

  After graduating from Waynesburg (College) University with a Bachelor’s Degree in education, he entered the U.S. Navy.  During his enlistment he was assigned aboard the USS Independence and served on the Admiral’s staff.  After his active duty, he was in the reserves for four years.  While in the reserves, he started his lifelong career in education.  His first teaching position was with the Caesar Rodney School District in Dover, DE.  He soon completed his Master’s Degree at West Virginia University, and then his career moved into school administration.  He completed his formal education by earning a Doctoral Degree at Indiana University of PA.  He climbed the school administration ladder by working in several different school districts, including the School District of Lancaster. He finished his career as a school superintendent.

 Wayne served on the Manheim Ambulance Board for several years and was a volunteer for Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Manheim.  He was also a member of the Manheim Masonic Lodge No. 587. 

  Wayne’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his granddaughters. Besides his time with family, Wayne also enjoyed traveling, cars, reading and history.

  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Wayne’s Celebration of Life Service at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wayne’s memory may be made to:  St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Capital Fund, P. O. Box 129, Manheim, PA 17545, or Hospice and Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, or Pleasant View Retirement Community, Benevolent Care Endowment Fund, 544 North Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545