Blackburn Chapel - Martin Funeral Home

Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home traces it's roots back to 1882, when Isaac Blackburn began providing funeral services to the citizens in rural North Branch and the surrounding counties. The present owner, M. Kelly Martin, is a third generation funeral director. His grandparents, Miles B. and Mildred C. Martin (both licensed funeral directors) began their funeral home in the Flint area of Michigan, in 1929. Kelly and his wife, Susan, live at and operate this historic facility and provide their personal touch to these surroundings.

Over it's long history, this funeral home has gained a reputation for it's honorable and fair dealings with the families it has had the honor to serve. That continues to be it's goal today. Our caring staff continues to provide comfort and reliable service to those mourning the loss of a loved one. We continue a long tradition of assisting families in planning ceremonies that reflect an individual's life, with dignity and meaning. Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home is a name associated with sensitivity, sincerity, personalized attention and excellence in providing service. We are ready to guide you through a most difficult time with sound advice and with understanding and caring service. If we may answer any questions you may have, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Michael "Kelly" Martin-President/Manager
Kelly is a third generation funeral director, following in the footsteps of his grandparents, Miles and Mildred Martin, his father Patrick J. Martin, and his uncle Miles "Tom" Martin.  He joined his father in North Branch in 1996, working with him until Pat's death in 1998.
Kelly served in the U.S. Navy from 1973 to 1978.  He earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Mott Community College, a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint, and Bachelor  of Science Degree from Wayne State University.  Kelly has also studied at the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills, in Springfield, MO, gaining valuable skills in massive trauma reconstruction surgical techniques.  He also served as President of the Thumb Funeral Directors Association form 2007 to 2009.

Cheri Hemingway

   Cheri is a licensed Funeral Director.  She graduated from Mt. Morris High School and she received her Associates in Science from Mott Community and her bachelors in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University in 2009.  Cheri is a member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, a member of the Michigan Embalmers Society and the Thumb Funeral Directors Association.

Erma Jean (Tallieu) Kennedy

   Erma is lifelong resident of North Branch and she graduated from North Branch High School in 1971.  Erma is the Administrative Assistant and has been employed with Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home for 18 years. 

   Some of Erma's duties are assisting in making funeral arrangements, selling markers and monuments, filing life insurance claims and composing obituaries.

   Erma has been married to Frank Kennedy for 37 years.  They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

Chris (Schiestel) Swoish

   Chris graduated in 1985 form Lakeville High School and has a Music Degree from Delta College.  She is a greeter, musician and soloist, and helps in the office with various tasks.  She is married to Dale Swoish and they have 2 children. 

Dale Swoish

Dale is also a lifetime resident of North Branch and he graduated from North Branch High School in 1975. Dale is our greeter, parking attendant, does our general maintenance, and files death certificates for us. Dale and Chris were married in 1991.

Tony Crawford

   Tony is a resident of our area, graduating form North Branch High School in 1971.  Tony serves as a greeter, files death certificates, and is a parking attendant for the funeral home.  He married Joannne Stevens in 1972.  They have 2 sons and 1 grandson.

Sandra (Scramlin) Smith

   Sandy serves as a greeter of our funeral home.  She is a lifelong resident of North Branch area and graduated from North Branch High School.  Sandy and late husband, Bob Smith, were owners of Smitty's Market and Smitty's Gun Shop in Kings Mill.  Sandy has 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. 

Pamela (Minkstein) Frampton

   Pam is a lifelong resident of North Branch and graduated from North Branch High School.  She has been our hairstylist and greeter for over 17 years.  Pam is married to Les Frampton.  They have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

Duan (Smith) Castle

   Duan is a lifelong resident of North Branch and graduated from North Branch High School in 1970.  Duan serves as a greeter.  She is married to Dave Castle and they have 2 sons.

James Hampton

   Pastor James Hampton is a lifelong resident of North Branch.  He graduated from North Branch High School in 1996, and graduated from Rochester College with a degree in Bible studies in 2004.  James is the founder and president of Huntin' The Truth Ministries.  He is also the author of the christian hunting book, titled Secrets of The Hunt.  He serves as Staff Pastor at Springs of Life Community Church in Mayville.  James is married to Susan and they have 2 children.

John Welke

   John has been working in the funeral home service since 2000.  He has served as an EMT for the North Branch and Mayville Area for 34 years. John also owned his own insurance agency in Mayville for 32 years.   John serves as a greeter, parking lot attendant and files death certificates. He has been married to Sally for 41 years, and they have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. 

Mike Arnholt

    Mike has been a resident of the North Branch area for 28 years.  He graduated from University of Michigan in 1970.  He is semi-retired from the newspaper and magazine industry after 35 years as a writer and editor.  Mike has been married to Rosemary for 35 years.   He serves as a greeter and parking lot attendant.

This Family owned business is a proud member of the National Funeral Directors Association.