Obituaries

Lance W. Martin, 70, of Whitehouse, passed away peacefully at his home on September 14, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Lance will be cherished and remembered through the legacy of his family and countless friends that always surrounded him. Lance was born July 22, 1953 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Gobel and Wilma (McSurley) Martin. He graduated from Anthony Wayne High School in 1971 and was inducted into the Anthony Wayne Hall of Fame in 2001. Lance proudly served our country in the United States Army as a Flight Operations Specialist; where he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He then served in the Ohio Army National Guard Military Police.

He graduated from Owens Technical College where he earned his associate degree in law enforcement. He furthered his education in training in law enforcement attending the University of Virginia and concentrating on Criminal Justice, graduating from the FBI National Academy the 174 Session and PELC (Police Executive Leadership College).

Lance worked for the City of Waterville Police Department for 26 years where he was their Chief of Police for 14 years. After retiring from the Waterville Police Department, he worked for the Waterville Township Police Department and later became the Chief of Police in Walbridge, Ohio. He was a special deputy for Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and served as a Trustee for Providence Township. Lance was a member of the American Legion in Whitehouse, Ohio. Lance always had a strong passion for service and learning. He served on the State of Ohio Peace Officers Training Council and was a member of the Owens Community College Law Enforcement Advisory Committee.

Lance loved spending time with his family and friends, as well as fishing, Dunkin Donuts and Tim Hortons coffee.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Beth; sons, Eric (Lisa) Martin and Wesley (Melanie) Martin; grandchildren, Alan and Noelle; his mother, Wilma; siblings, Wade (Jami) Martin and Freddi Martin Tuttle and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Gobel.

Friends and family will be received Friday, September 29, 2023 from 4- 8 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133), where visitation will continue Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 9-11 a.m. with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made in Lance’s name to the Bethany Baptist Church, 14070 Bailey Road, Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.