Dancy Branch, Ky. - Donald Ray Martin, age 68, passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, December 29, 2019.  Donald was the son of the late Mary Baker and Daw Vincent Martin, happily born to them on May 22, 1951 in Barbourville.

Donald will be forever remembered as being devoted to his family, as being funny, strong, independent and hard-working. Donald was a route salesman for Knox Cash Jobbers for forty years. He loved above all else, spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Dawson.  He loved working on his farm, where he enjoyed raising cattle and tending to his fields. Donald often could be found driving his riding mower, manicuring the grounds surrounding his home. He gained satisfaction and enjoyment from working on his land. Donald also found great pleasure and gained many friendships while playing softball for the Manchester Merchant's Softball League.

Donald is survived by his devoted and adoring wife Linda "Kay" Gambrel Martin, their beloved daughter, Lorie Miracle (Brian) of Girdler, and his loving grandchild, Dawson Miracle.  Also left to mourn Donald's passing are his brother: Henry Lee Martin (Cathryn) of Florence, and his sisters: Cordie Martin of Barbourville, Anna Williams (Harold) of Blanchester, Ohio, and Sarah Katherine Smith (Hersel) of Woolum. A special cousin, Barb Liford of Barbourville.  Donald is also survived by many other extended family members: Jack and June Gambrel of Indiana, Eunice and Joe Detwiler of Ohio, Eddie Gambrel of Indiana, Phyllis Gambrel of Ohio, Wilma and Mike Patterson of Barbourville, Johnny and Teresa Gambrel of Corbin and Sam and Lisa Creasy of Cannon. Additionally, Mr. Martin leaves behind to mourn his passing, numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Donald in death were his brothers: Charles Winston Martin and Harold Vincent Martin; his Brother-in-law, Rick Gambrel and his Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law, Beulah and Arthur Gambrel.

Funeral Services for Mr. Martin will be held at the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Brian Miracle and Samuel Ray Creasy officiating.  Pallbearers are Dawson Miracle, Dalton Alsip, Skylar Simpson, Sam Buchanan, Wayne Farmer, Tommy Lowe, Vincent Patterson, and Samuel Keith Creasy.  Honorary Pallbearers are Matthew Grant, Luke Hudson, Brain Abner, Paul Baker, Paul Middleton, Donald's childhood friends from Boone Heights, Bluegrass Hospice, and his special teammates from the Manchester Merchant's Softball Team.

Mr. Martin's burial in the Barbourville Cemetery will immediately follow the funeral service.  Visiting hours for Donald Martin will be Tuesday, December 31, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Hopper Funeral Home and on the day of the funeral service from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.

The Hopper Family and the staff of the Hopper Funeral Home would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Donald Martin.