Martin Abraham McEntarfer

MARTIN ("MAC") ABRAHAM McENTARFER, 95, born September 17, 1928, at Bronson Hospital

in Kalamazoo, MI; died September 21, 2023, at Astral of Auburn, NI. Formerly of Angola, IN,

Riverside, CA, and places all over the world.

Graduated from Wesleyville High School in Wesleyville, PA, where he lettered in football;

attended Adrian College in Adrian, Mi; graduated Albion College in Albion, Mi; and seminary

from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL.

Ordained minister in the United Methodist Church serving congregations in Michigan at

Lyon Lake Marengo (Marshall United Methodist Church), Delton, MI (Faith United Methodist

Church); Grand Rapids, MI; Menominee, MI (First United Methodist Church); and Center Line,

MI (Centerline United Methodist Church). Member Detroit Area Conference (now Michigan

Conference). He also served as President of the Centerline and Warren Kiwanis Club in

Centerline, MI.

Member of the Air National Guard (Selfridge Air National Guard base) and then served

20 years continuous active military service from February 1966 to December 31, 1985, in the

United States Air Force (most of the time with the Strategic Air Command (SAC)) as a Chaplain,

entering at the rank of Captain and retiring as Lieutenant Colonel. During his service with the

United States Air Force, he was stationed at air force bases located in Plattsburg, NY (Plattsburg

Air Force Base) (his favorite tour); Anchorage, AK (Elmendorf Air Force Base) (his hardest tour);

Dayton, OH (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base); Lubbock, TX (Reese Air Force Base); U-Tapao,

Thailand; Riverside, CA (March Air Force Base)as Senior Protestant Chaplin, 15'' Ari Force; Crete,

Greece (Souda Air Force Base); and Vacaville, CA (Travis Air Force Base). Upon retiring from the

United States Air Force, he returned to Riverside, CA (his favorite place to live), and worked 10

years as a case manager for the American Cancer Society covering Riverside and San Bernardino

Counties, CA.

In retirement, Mac and Joan continued to travel the world making frequent trips,

including to New Zealand, Alaska, and back to visit family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Idella Joan McEntarfer (Godwin), in

2015, and his parents Rev. Clifford Abraham McEntarfer and Louise Elizabeth McEntarfer (Plate),

his siblings Wesley McEntarfer, Joyce Bayle, and Edith Anderson.

He is survived by his children, Jean McEntarfer; James Abraham McEntarfer (Lois); Vance

Godwin (Nancy) and Sandy Godwin. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Scott Perry (Cara);

Ross Abraham McEntarfer (Amy); Steven Wright (Chelsea); Brad McEntarfer (Jessica); Laurie

Godwin and Jennifer Godwin, nine great-grandchildren; one great great grandchild; five

nephews ("Uncle Martin"): David and Michael McEntarfer; Larry and Ronald Bayle; and A. J.

Ficcardi, and a close family friend of Mac and Joan, Betty Masters of Riverside, CA.

In his visits with family, he was known for his antics, songs, and sayings. He will forever

known for his "can do" attitude and actions; priority of family; his constant and continued pride

of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and all of their families. His

continual and constant prayer was for all to have the Christmas Spirit of "good will to all people

and peace on earth".

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday October 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at First

Congregational United Church, 314 W. Maumee Street, Angola, IN. Burial will take place at a

future date at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA, where his remains will be placed

with his wife, Joan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2121

Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60201; or First Congregational United Church of Christ, 314 W.

Maumee Street, Angola, Indiana  46703.