Joseph "Joey" Michael Martin

Joseph Michael “Joey” Martin, 60, of Zanesville, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Adams Lane Care Center. Born in Newark, Ohio, in 1966, he was the beloved son of the late Robert and Helen (Wheeler) Martin.

To know Joey was to know the joy of a welcoming smile, a well-timed joke, and love freely given. He had a way of brightening an ordinary day and leaving people with something to smile about long after their visit ended. His family will miss his affection, his laughter, and the familiar jokes that became such a treasured part of their lives.

Joey graduated from the Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities program and participated in Special Olympics, enjoying track and bowling. Video games were another favorite pastime, and he continued to enjoy playing his Xbox 360 every day. Whether he was playing a game, sharing a joke, or spending time with someone he loved, Joey found happiness in the everyday moments that make a life meaningful.

He is lovingly remembered by his brother, Robert (Paula) Martin of Massachusetts; his sisters, Loretta Hancock of Avondale, Mary Burns of Crooksville, and Judy (Roy) Kimble of Zanesville; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will deeply miss him.

In addition to his parents, Joey was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Martin, and his brothers, Gary, Dennis, and George (Surviving wife, Robin) Martin.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the staff of Adams Lane Care Center and Buckeye Hospice for the kindness, comfort, and compassionate care they gave Joey. A special thank-you also goes to his many “girlfriends” at Adams Lane, whose friendship and attention brought him so much happiness. Knowing that he was cared for with affection and dignity meant more to his family than words can express.

In Joey’s memory, his family asks that you treat people with Down syndrome with love and respect. Take the time to know the person, welcome their friendship, and recognize all they have to share. Joey’s life was filled with love, humor, interests, and meaningful connections, and those who knew him will always be grateful to have been part of it.

His love, his smile, and his jokes will be missed every day. They will also be remembered—in the stories his family tells, in the laughter those memories bring, and in the lasting affection of everyone who held him dear.

Cremation care has been entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE, AT OUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED CREMATORY.

To send a note of condolence: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.