Larry Martindale

Larry Martindale, 80, of Syracuse, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at his home after a two-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on Aug. 12, 1944, in Nappanee, to Herbert and Wilma (Geiger) Martindale. He had two brothers, William Martindale, of Michigan, and Ted (Diane) Martindale, of Nappanee, as well as one sister, Sue (Kieth) Tobias, of Florida. His siblings and parents all preceded him in death.

On Feb. 28, 1964, he married Patti Mock, of Syracuse, at Zion Chapel, Syracuse. She survives. They had three children, Christine Hodge, of Fort Wayne, Cherie (Steve) Sweatland, of Syracuse, and Craig Martindale, of Syracuse. He had three grandchildren, Kristin (Brayden) Hixon, of Syracuse, Kayla (Nathan) Beasley, of Larwill, and Rachael Sweatland, of Syracuse.

Larry was a graduate of Nappanee High School and had degrees from Indiana Wesleyan University. He was an engineer at Weatherhead and Dana Corp. for 29 years. Larry was devoted to his church, Milford Christian Church, where he served as elder for many years. Larry was a longtime member of the Wawasee Kiwanis. He also served as a member of the Syracuse Town Council. Larry’s passion was the Ball Program in Syracuse. He has been promoting the baseball, softball and T-ball programs in Syracuse since 1980. He was instrumental in building all of the ball fields in Syracuse.

Services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Calling will be from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The service will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at the Syracuse Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Milford Christian Church in Larry’s name.