Bruce Theodore Martin

Bruce T. Martin (61) stepped into glory and met his Savior on the morning of August 22, 2026.

He was a dedicated husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Bruce Martin was born in Akron, Ohio to parents Lowell and Dorothy Martin on May 14, 1965 as the youngest of four brothers. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1983 and went on to obtain his Associates degree in Electronic Technologies from the University of Akron.

Bruce met the love of his life, Michelle, during a visit to Riverside Alliance Church, and they were married on August 2, 1991. They were blessed with two children.

In 1997, Bruce took a huge leap of faith and left his position at Summit Racing to take ownership of the family business Mogadore Auto Wrecking Inc.

Through his love of racing, fabricating, and resurrecting cool cars, he led his family and transformed the company into what it is today – Mars Auto. His perseverance and dedication to carry on through the highs and lows was strengthened by the love and support of his wife of 35 years. Their bond and ability to love one another all while owning and operating a business was a testimony to many.

His love for God and life overflowed in many ways: At church Bruce taught and led Boys Brigade, VBS, Adult Sunday School, and played guitar on the worship team for many years. Bruce was always willing to help, even at a moment's notice. As a visionary, he saw the potential in the people and resources around him. It may have looked like a wrecked car to you and me, but Bruce saw the best version of what it could be, and would invest his time and skill into making that a reality. The magnum opus being his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. He could fix or figure out anything he put his mind to, even to the extent of creating his own U.T.T.W.’s – “Ugly Tools That Work”. That mentality was foundational for how he provided for his family, employees, customers, and the community. Bruce enjoyed going fast. He generously shared his passion by including many others at events such as ChampCar races, drag racing, or riding fourwheelers and dirt bikes.

Ultimately, Bruce's anchor in life was the assurance of God's love for him, as described in his life verse Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Bruce’s life impacted many and he will be dearly missed.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Lowell and Dorothy Martin; his brothers Lowell “Butch” and John Martin. He is survived by his wife Michelle Martin; two children Amy (Colby) Harris and John (Victoria) Martin; two grandsons Reese and Connor Martin; stepmother Arlena Martin; sister-in-law Sandy (“Butch”) Martin; nephews Craig (Erica) Martin and Kevin (Marcie) Martin; brother Paul (Sharon) Martin; niece Heidi (John) Roberts and nephew Anthony (Lydia) Martin. A memorial will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home on Saturday August 29th 2026 1pm to 3pm service to follow at 3pm to celebrate his life and honor his memory.