Martin T. McDonough

Martin T. “Marty” McDonough II, 89, of Van Wert, passed away at 4:43 a.m. Sunday, January 12, 2014, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born July 3, 1924, in Pittsburgh, Pa., the oldest son of the late Martin T. and Bertha (Fey) McDonough. In 1947, Marty married Betty J. (Deer) McDonough, who survives in Van Wert.

Marty was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force and flew B-29 Superfortresses in the Pacific during World War II. After his marriage, Marty moved “out west” to Van Wert after graduating from watchmaking school and worked as a jeweler and watch repairman for many years at what later became Laudick’s Jewelry and, later, in his own business.

Marty was active in many community organizations over the years, including United Way, Toastmasters, Van Wert Civic Theatre, Van Wert Jaycees, Elks Lodge 1197 in Van Wert, Van Wert Peony Committee, and was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert and American Legion Post 178 of Van Wert.

Marty was known for wearing floppy hats and his patriotic red, white and blue suspenders.

In addition to his wife, survivors include four children, Sharon Hoyn of Gastonia, N.C., Marty McDonough of Groveport, Michael (Luann) McDonough and Dan (Cheryl) McDonough, both of Van Wert; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A sister, Loretta Curran; and one brother, Jack McDonough, also preceded him in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, January 25, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, with Father Stan Szybka officiating.

Calling hours are from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, January 25, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, c/o Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Online condolences may be left at www.alspachgearhart.com.