Martin Luther Wolford, 97, of Franklin, passed away at 5:30 p.m. on January 22 at Sugarcreek Station.

Born May 24, 1919, in Franklin. He was a son of the late Adolphus H. and Sarah S. Beers Wolford.

On March 1, 1941, he married Mary J. Tirk, who preceded him in death in 2005. On March 17, 2007, Luther married the former BettyLou Smith- Stewart, who survives.

Luther was a WWII Army Veteran, having served from October 15, 1943 to November 26, 1945 While in the Military, he was the recipient of a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, and also received a WWII Victory Medal. Luther was also honored for the European African Middle Eastern Campaign with 1 Bronze Star for capturing a German Officer. He also earned an Honorable Service Lapel Button and a Sharpshooters Badge with Rifle Bar.

A graduate of Franklin High School, Luther was a life member of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Disabled Veterans. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and gardening. Luther worked as a serviceman for the Warner’s Coin Machine Company. He was proud to be “Grand Marshal” of the Memorial Day parade in 2016.

In addition to his wife, Luther is survived by his daughter, Jean Louise Stoyer of Franklin, and his sister, Lois Dunlap and her husband, Art, of Polk.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kelly Beightol and her husband, Randy, and Kreig Rugh and his wife, Debbie; his great-grandchildren: Josh Beightol and his wife, Stefanie, Erin Rugh, and Ethan Rugh; and his great-great-grandchildren: Emma Beightol and Finley Beightol.

Luther is also survived by his step-children, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Luther was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Jane Wolford; his sons-in-law, Eugene Rugh and James Stoyer; his sister, Jessie Demler and her husband, Jack; and his brothers, Millard Wolford and his wife, Meredith, Pat Wolford, and Jim Shields.

Family and friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26th, at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc. 1315 Chestnut Street, in Franklin.

Funeral services for Luther will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27th, at the funeral home with Rev. Barry Markle, pastor of the Cooperstown Community Church of God, officiating.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard, P.O. Box 137, Franklin, PA 16323 and/or to the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, 29 Shuffstall Street Franklin, PA 16323.

To send flowers, cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.