Larry Daniel Martin

Larry Daniel Martin of Orlando, FL passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on January 9, 2024 at the age of 83. He was born on March 2, 1940 in Hopedale, IL where he grew up in a large farming family. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Mary Martin, and his 12 siblings. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Joyce, daughters Lori, Jennifer, and Michelle, sons Mike and Danny, and his 10 grandchildren.

Larry served as a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy until he retired in 1977, after 20 years of service. During his time in the Navy he traveled the world, served 2 tours in Vietnam, and received a Purple Heart. When he was stationed in San Diego he also volunteered for the Flying Samaritans, an organization that provides free healthcare in Baja California, Mexico. After leaving the military he went on to work for the California Department of Corrections, retiring in 1991 when he moved to Florida with his wife and 2 youngest children. Larry also owned a business he was very passionate about, Vermitechnology, which he continued after the move up until he fully retired in 2020. He loved the work he did with worms and educating children and adults about the importance of the use of organic fertilizer both locally and internationally. He worked with schools, golf courses, Disney, and even international governments on improving turf, landscaping, and fruit and vegetable production through natural resources.

He was known to many as Larry but his family affectionately called him Dad and Pap Pap. He was a hardworking, kind, and generous man. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather with a great sense of humor and adventurous spirit. He didn’t know a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. Larry helped anyone he came across who was in need. He instilled these values in his children, for which we are eternally grateful.

Larry loved working on his farm in Citra and growing fruit, vegetables, and flowers. He tended to his horses and raised his worms. He loved being outdoors and getting his hands dirty working hard to make a life for his family and a difference in this world. He was the kind of person you could look up to, learn from, and hope to be like one day. He left a thumbprint of love on all our hearts. We are thankful for the years of service he gave us, his generous heart, and unwavering love. Thank you for being an amazing and wonderful person! We love you Larry, Dad, Pap Pap!

The family would like to give a special thanks to Larry’s granddaughter, Keana, who was the glue that held us all together during this difficult time despite this being difficult for her as well. She made sure Larry and the rest of the family were well taken care of during his last days, kept distant family informed, and managed the difficult arrangements both before and after his passing. We would also like to thank AdventHealth Hospice and close family friends, Heather Cuppy and Vanessa Bussart, for the care and compassion they showed our loved one and our family in his final days.

Memorial services are yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Larry’s honor to Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center at stirrupsnstrides.com. Larry was a big supporter of Stirrups ‘n Strides, an organization that helps those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges through therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving. He made donations to this program every year, attended fund raising events, and physically helped out whenever they needed him. He held this program close to his heart and would be happy to know they continue to receive support in his name.