Theodore "Ted" Keith Martin of Franklin, IN died on January 16, 2025 at the Otterbein Franklin SeniorLIfe Community where he resided.  He was born on September 8, 1934 in Rock Island, IL to Theodore and Grace Martin.

Ted graduated with a PhD from Arizona University.  During his career as a writer he worked with the Bureau of Censes, the CIA, and the Transportation Department of the State of Illinois, as well as a speechwriter for senators and governors.  Earlier in life he was a licensed embalmer.

Growing up he enjoyed fishing and boating with his Dad on the river near their home or at their cabin in Wisconsin.  He loved his dogs, reading, and sitting on the porch watching the squirrels and hummingbirds.

He felt his greatest contribution to society was working as President or chairing in United Way campaigns for 42 years.  His one regret is never learning to play the saxophone.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Tanksley of Franklin, IN and three step-children, Kathye Reily (Rich) of Fernandina Beach, Fl, Leslye Arnold (Wayne) of Washington CH, Ohio, and Norman Staley (Marsha) of Frisco, Texas, daughter-in-law Beverly Staley, 9 grandchildren, and 8 great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ellen, his stepson, John Staley, step grandson Roy Smith, and wives, Jean Martin, and Virginia Morrical.

Visitation will be held in the Family Room at Otterbein SeniorLife Community at 1070 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN on January 28, from 2PM-4PM.

A private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community for Memory Care, 1070 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN 46131, or the United Way of Johnson County, 594 Ironwood Drive, Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.uwjc.org/donate.

Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.