George C. Martin, 77, of Evergreen Nursing Home in Harmony, formerly of Cherry Valley, died at 11:20 a.m. Monday at the Butler Memorial Hospital after an illness.

Born in Cherry Valley, Venango Township, Dec. 22, 1928, he was the son of Christopher Clyde and Alice Marilda Jolly Martin.

Mr. Martin was a farmer on the family homestead in Cherry Valley all his life.

He was a Presbyterian and was affiliated with the Eau Claire Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Surviving are a son, Raymond Martin of Fountain Inn, N.C.; a daughter, Laura Mata of Newton, Kan.; a step-daughter: Janie Sloat of Clintonville; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Alice Mae Martin and Ruth E. Martin, both of Evans City; and a brother, Charles Martin of Butler.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doretta Norcross Martin; a sister; an infant brother; and a stepdaughter.

<B>MARTIN</B> — Friends of George C. Martin, who died Monday, July 10, 2006, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the <B>H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home</B>, Main Street/Route 38, Eau Claire. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. David Brewer, pastor of the Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will be at the East Unity Cemetery, Cherry Valley.