Columbus, OH — John Allan Martin, 73, born Nov. 19, 1951, died peacefully May 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
A family man and a storyteller, he will be remembered as a man of many talents and hobbies, heartfelt conversations, a knack for sharing stories and befriending so many; no one was a stranger.
When most who were blessed to be part of his life reminisce about him, they are sure to remember his love of family, his Indian reservation, harness racing, and his loyalty to the Buffalo Bills, Sabres and Bandits.
Mr. Martin loved to tell the story of the day he met his loving wife of 39 years Bobbi Jo.
To say harness racing was a passion of his would be an understatement. It was “a way of life” to him as he began racing at the age of 14. He shared his love for the sport with everyone ever since.
He also had many other hobbies; he enjoyed card games with family and friends, a cigar on a nice day, cookouts, golfing, bowling, and his Buffalo Bills football games as he was a lifelong fan. However, his favorite hobby and title was “grandpa.”
His smile, stories, sense of adventure, hard working and caring demeanor, and love for everyone will be dearly missed. He left a “horseshoe” stamp on our hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbi Jo; daughters, Amanda and Jessica (DJ) Millner); son, Jeffrey (Renee); grandchildren, Carter, Deacon Millner, Aria Millner, and Colt; cousins, Joanne (Carl) Maracle) and Vicky; and many more relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty; aunt, Eleanor “Lue”; cousin, Larry “Pee Wee” (Leona “Tuffy”); and many more beloved relatives.
We know the “race” on earth may have passed the finish line for now, but we rejoice in knowing he is steadfast again, and at peace beyond limits — wearing his Buffalo hat, in his racing colors of maroon and gold, and full of love. He will be in our hearts forever.