Obituary of Burnell P. Martin

Burnell "Bunny" P. Martin, 80, of Eau Claire, passed away unexpectedly at Mountainview Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. Bunny was born on July 23, 1932 to the late Rev. Anthony and Pauline (Pendl) Martin in Niles, Michigan. He was the youngest of four children. After graduating from Niles High School Bunny went on to work as a Technical Engineer and Cameraman for WNDU. He was a pioneer in the cable television industry, eventually developing and installing the Valley Cable Vision System for the city of South Bend. He was always interested in electronics and started several cable and satellite companies in the area. Bunny married Sandra "Sandie" Buttermore in 1980. Together they started Martin Auction House in Berrien Springs. Bunny loved photography, when he was younger he did wedding photography. Bunny loved the hunt of finding great antiques and meeting new people through the auction house. He was always looking for ways to help others. He loved spending his free time woodworking and making furniture for his family. In 2009 Bunny and Sandie began spending their winters in Las Vegas. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Timothy Scott Martin and grandson Mitchell Ryan. Bunny is survived by his wife, Sandie, children Sandra (Gary) Blackburn of Niles, Larry (Millie) Martin of Niles, step children Daniel Ryan of Las Vegas, Nevada, Michael Ryan of Detroit, Michigan, grandchildren Amy (Brett) Nielsen of Byron Center, Michigan, Holly Berry of Niles, Scott Martin of Niles, Brooke (Chris) Hinkle of Niles, Matthew Ryan of Las Vegas and Hanna Ryan of Ann Arbor, great grandchildren Will, Drew, Max, Bobby, Madison, Nick, Hunter, Koda, Carter and Kylie and siblings Phyllis Griffin of Tampa, Florida, Paula (Mike) Connell of Niles and Jim (Eleanor) Martin of Dowagiac. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services to honor Bunny's life will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Smith officiating. Bunny will be interred at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles. Memorial donations may be made in Bunny's memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital.