Obituaries
Kervin L. “Chip” Martin
January 13, 2021
Kervin Lee “Chip” Martin, of Lancaster, PA, died peacefully at home following a recently diagnosed glioblastoma, on Tuesday, January 13, 2021. He was a loving husband, proud parent and grandparent, and treasured friend.
Kervin accepted Christ as his personal savior in 1969 and was a member of Calvary Church, Lancaster, PA. With a servant’s heart, he volunteered with youth throughout his life, as a teacher and leader beginning in the 1970’s with Boys Christian Brigade and later Calvary Church’s Wednesday evening and Sunday morning children’s programs. He was quick to don a funny hat to help prepare and serve meals at church on Wednesday evenings, rise early on Sunday mornings for the coffee ministry, and lend a hand in the facilities department. Kervin also spent more than 20 years with Lancaster County 4H, teaching boys how to build pinewood derby cars and launch rockets. Kervin was a staple at the election polls for many years, served as an usher for Mt. Gretna Playhouse and helped with the Lititz Chocolate Walk and other local fundraisers.
Kervin spent his professional career working for Wilbur Chocolate Company beginning in 1960 in the production department, and later in research and development before retiring for a third time in 2015. He served with the Professional Manufacturing Confectioners Association, a premier technical conference for the confectionery and snack industry, on the Production Conference Program Committee since 1979 and as the Exhibit Coordinator since 2004.
Kervin was an accomplished gardener, with a special interest in orchids and saffron. His high energy and adventurous spirit led him to kayaking, hiking, biking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting. He was also an active pickleball player and volunteer coach at UAC. Kervin was an avid reader who studied God’s Word faithfully, and also loved learning about history, the wild west, and Native Americans. An appreciation of travel both in the States and abroad found him excitedly visiting the places he read about.
Kervin will be missed immensely by his wife, Virginia Lee Kemp Martin; two sons, Curtis G. Martin, husband of RaeAnn, Manheim, PA and Shawn M. Martin, Lititz, PA; two stepdaughters, Desiree (Kissinger), wife of Daniel Layton, Ephrata, PA, and Elena, at home; two grandchildren, Garrett Isaac Martin and Evangelynn Grace Martin; sister-in-law, Romaine Martin; niece Sheila Hostetter; as well as other family and step-family members. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara J. Martin; parents, Frank Dussinger and Laura Mae Kopp Martin; and brother, Robert Frank Martin.
Interment will be private. Due to Covid concerns, relatives and friends will be invited to attend Kervin’s Celebration of Life Service, to be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Calvary Church Global Ministries, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 or Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
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Condolences to the Family
January 18, 2021
It was a pleasure getting to know Kervin through PMCA and working with him on the Production Conference Supplier Show the past 16 years. We shared many laughs and became quite creative when it came to handling any last minute surprises that would pop up during setup time. He was always smiling, always had a story to tell or a tip to give, he was a joy to be around and he will be dearly missed.
Brandy Kresge
January 17, 2021
What an honor to meet Kervin – playing pickle Ball and running into him at Calvary Church serving in the kitchen or walking through the lobby, he was always so happy to see everyone- a joy-filled spirit. My life was impacted by his in the short time Cal and I knew him…receiving the Servant’s Towel Award was right on and the perfect timing! We will be praying for you Virginia, and your family. 🙏🏼💕🔆
Meredith Steidler
January 17, 2021
What a godly example of a kind man who was a humble hero completing volunteer tasks with a smile and consistency. We will miss talking with you weekly at church but your example left quite an impression on us all.
Cheryl and Steve Aucott
January 17, 2021
Larry and I were both blessed to work with Kervin at Wilbur!! He was an awesome guy to be around, always friendly and upbeat!! He used to be in charge of getting names of families in need at Christmas time in the Lititz area!! We were sooo happy to help deliver groceries to those in need!! I think after Kervin retired that stopped!! He was always ready to help anybody in need!! His smile and friendliness will never be forgotten!! We miss you Kervin!! Our deepest sympathy to your family!! 🙏🙏💕💕😰😰😥😥
Esther and Larry Noll
January 17, 2021
So sorry to hear of Kervin’s passing. He was such a nice man. He was a customer at the cafe at Universal Athletic Club (UAC) & I saw him frequently. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies to the family. Prayers as you navigate this sad and difficult time. Rest In Peace, Kervin.
Kelly Kline
January 17, 2021
GOD bless and keep him. A wonderful man. Gone way too soon. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert, Marybeth, Taylor and Lizzie
January 16, 2021
Kervin worked at Wilbur Chocolate 13 years before I started there. He always had a smile on his face, was serious about his work and we became friends quickly. Together we had interesting and productive conversations both regarding work and life in general. I know he is with The Lord, but will still be missed by all of us who knew and worked with him. See you in glory brother!
BRUCE Barr
January 16, 2021
Still can’t believe Kervin is gone but we are rejoicing that he is walking on streets of gold! Praying for you Virginia.
The Pipers
January 16, 2021
We will miss Kervin at Universal Gym, he was a part of our table group and my weight room buddy. I will personally miss his sense of humor and smiling face. He was a great guy. May God eternally bless him.
Charles Merris
January 16, 2021
RIP Kervin. We will miss seeing your smiling face and feeling your energy at Calvary and Universal. Praying God’s peace and comfort for Virginia and all of your family.
Linda and Dennis Baer
January 15, 2021
Dear Family,
Kervin will definitely be missed on the pickleball courts at Universal. Not only was he a great player he was such a kind, soft spoken & friendly man that everyone enjoyed spending time with on/off the court. I am so sorry for your loss. 💔
Angela Howkins
January 15, 2021
I had he honor to share office space with Kelvin. He spoke fondly of his family, gardening, etc. Kerv was the go-to guy for all things chocolate. He had such a great gift and will be missed. God Bless Kerv. Rest in peace
Dennis Quinn
