Ernest Lee Martin, 87, of Danville went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Born in Lincoln County on August 13, 1934, he was the son of the late John Paul Martin and Ida Mae Martin and husband of 67 years to the love of his life, Ferne Carter Martin.
Ernest graduated from Hustonville High School, married his grade school sweetheart, served two years in the United States Army 11th Airborne Division, obtained his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College, and received his Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He served as pastor for Moreland Baptist Mission, Geneva Baptist Church, Benton Baptist Church, Eubank Baptist Church, and thirty-one years for Calvary Baptist Church. Following his retirement from Calvary, he served as pastor for Junction City First Baptist Church for six years, and several surrounding churches as interim pastor afterwards. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Lexington Avenue Baptist Church.
During his ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, he led the formation of Calvary Childcare Center in 1991. Five years later, in 1996, he co-founded Danville Christian Academy with his daughter, Jill Robertson. Brother Martin’s devotion to sharing the gospel led his founding of both of these organizations, and all of his life.
Ernest was known for his heart for missionary work. Internationally, he took part in five mission trips to Russia, three to Africa, and countless in the local and surrounding areas.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Ferne Carter Martin; two daughters: Joy (Butch) Chidester of Glasgow and Jill (John) Robertson of Danville; five grandchildren: Brittany (Nicholas) Durham of Bowling Green, Brandon (Kathryn) Chidester of Tennessee, John David (Laura) Robertson of Florida, Paul (Brooke) Robertson of North Carolina, and Elizabeth Robertson: studying at the University of Kentucky; 5 great-grandchildren: Henry and Jack Durham, Conner and Caroline Chidester, and Stella Robertson; and three sisters: Louise (Wayne) Atwood, Alice Young, and Helen Parrass.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Donald Martin, and three sisters: Sylvia Linville, Mary Ann Cassidy, and Pearl Phelps. The funeral service will be Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ernest Martin Warrior Complex, Danville Christian Academy, 2170 Shakertown Road, Danville with Pastor Basil Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Hustonville Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 19, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. also at the Ernest Martin Warrior Complex.
Pallbearers will be Butch Chidester, Dr. John Robertson, Brandon Chidester, John David Robertson, Paul Carter Robertson, and Nicholas Durham.
The family requests memorial contributions to Danville Christian Academy, 2170 Shakertown Rd., Danville; Calvary Childcare Center, 401 Waveland Ave.; Transfiguration Baptist Church in Oryol, Russia through Lexington Avenue Baptist Church, 339 W Lexington Ave.; and Centerpoint Church, 201 W Main St., all Danville, KY 40422. A guestbook is available at www.wlpruitt.com.
W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.