Martin D. Buth

Martin D. Buth, age 99, passed away peacefully on July 24. His wife GeorgeAnn, son Martin III siblings Anna Campau, Peter and John Buth preceded him in death. He is survived by his son George (Nancy), grandchildren Sarah (Carl) Johnson, David Buth, Annalise Buth and Amy (Wilson) Lee, great grandchildren Gavin and Fiona Johnson and George Lee. Marty was born October 18, 1917 in the family farmhouse on Buth Drive in Comstock Park. He attended Comstock Park Schools. He graduated from Michigan State College (later MSU) in 1940. While at MSC he met his future wife GeorgeAnn Louise Shaw and they were married June 10, 1943. Following graduation from MSC he became active in the family dairy farm and along with his brother John ran a successful operation for twenty-five years. The herd received honors in the show ring as well as in milk production. Following his father's death in 1948 a dispersal sale was held which received country wide coverage. The sale set a record for post World War II prices. He was a member of the Plainfield Township Board of Trustees in the 1950s. In 1959 he was elected to the Michigan state legislature where he served for twenty four years. He sponsored the bill to create Grand Valley State University and helped secure the money to build the first building which opened in 1964. He sponsored the amendment to create the south beltline (M6). He was known for working well with people from both parties. He was part of a group seeking to establish a television station for western Michigan. He appeared before the FCC on behalf of this group. As a result channel 13 went on the air in 1963. Following retirement in 1982 from the Michigan house, he served on the Kent County Board of Commissioners for four years. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Comstock Park Rotary and Egypt Valley Country Club (formerly Green Ridge) for 63 years. The family wishes to thank Andy and Jim Dykema, Paul Buth, Bruce Partridge and Gilbert Thomas who provided him with friendship and many pleasant drives and the staff of the Heather Hills Care Center who cared so well for him. Funeral services will be held On Monday, July 31 at 3:00 p.m., visitation at 2:00 at Grace Episcopal Church, 1815 Hall St. SE in East Grand Rapids with Father Stephen Holmgren officiating. Memorials may be given to Benjamin's Hope, 15468 Riley St. Holland, MI 49424 or Summer Journeys, 2006 Wealthy #201, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

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