On November 24, 2025, at age 101, Martin was taken to his eternal home to be with the Lord Jesus and behold His glory. Martin was born to Richard and Tillie Sharda in Holland, Michigan as the second of five children. He attended Holland Christian School, Calvin College, and the University of Michigan Medical School. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. In addition to his private medical and surgical practice in Grand Rapids, he carried the responsibility for the medical care of inmates at the Kent County Jail for 36 years. He spent the latter portion of his medical career as the occupational health physician at the General Motors Fisher Body facility in Wyoming, Ml.

He loved his Savior and lived to share His grace and glory with others. After 63 years of marriage to his precious wife Kay, she was called to Glory in 2017. He cherished time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was always eager to share affection and encouragement. He was dearly loved and will be missed by his family. Martin is survived by children Joan (John) Lutsi, Christine Sharda, Claire (T.J.) Sapunarich, Anne (Scott) Rush, and Tom (Jennie) Sharda; by grandchildren Hannah (Mike) Warren, Andrew (Rebecca) Rush, Grace (Brandon) Turcotte, Caleb (Madelyn) Rush, Rachel Sharda, Rebecca Sharda, Jessica Sharda, and Sarah Sharda; and by great-grandchildren Lincoln Warren, Blair Warren, Hayes Rush, and Addison Rush. He is also survived by sister-in-law Carolyn Sharda. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents; siblings Melvin Sharda, Lizabeth Tuuk, Lois Riemersma, and Richard Sharda Jr.; brothers-in-law Alvin Tuuk, David Tuuk, Henry Riemersma, and Gordon Lamberts; and sisters-in-law Marva Lamberts, Burnette Sharda, and Hylda Tuuk.

Martin spent many wonderful years with his family at their summer cottage on Lake Michigan at Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference, where he benefited immensely from the daily Bible ministry. He served on Maranatha's board of directors, as well as church, school, and community service boards. While wintering in Bradenton, Florida in his retirement, he volunteered to assist the chaplain at the county jail, visiting weekly with inmates for ten years.

In the last few decades of his life, he was privileged to serve as a mentor for Crossroads Prison Ministries, writing over 1,400 personal letters to student inmates enrolled in the Bible study program.

A private burial has been arranged, and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 11AM at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. S.E., in Grand Rapids, with visitation one hour preceding the service.

Any contributions in Martin's memory may be made to Crossroads Prison Ministries, P.O. Box 900, Grand Rapids, MI 49509.