Obituary of Martin F. Van Buren

Martin F. Van Buren, 76, of Afton, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at his home in Harpursville. He was born in Oneonta on July 14, 1940 to Martin and Ethel Van Buren. Martin was raised in the small community of Prattsville. He was the first born in a family of five children. After graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Army. Upon return, he married Maisha Lee Latham and fathered four children. He was a very hard working man who would never take a day off. He could fix anything that was broken. He was very competitive; anything from bowling to fishing to hunting to horseshoes to a simple game of cards-he played to win! He was passionate about his music; he loved to collect cds. He also loved his Yankees and his Patriots and was a die-hard fan of both! He is survived by his mother, Ethel Van Buren; his wife of 53 years, Maisha Van Buren; 3 children: Martin (Rick) Van Buren, Jr., Lisa and Ralph Shearer, and Cully Van Buren; 9 grandchildren: Aaron McWilliams, Amy Van Buren, Matthew Van Buren, Amanda and William Bunzey, Joseph Shearer, Benjamin Shearer, Dillon Van Buren, Alexis Van Buren and Parker Van Buren; 2 great-grandchildren: Maralynn Van Buren and Weston Bunzey; a sister and 3 brothers: Pat and Ed Chatfield, Dave and Arlene Van Buren, Barry and Diane Van Buren and Dale and Barbara Van Buren. He was predeceased by his father, Martin Jared Van Buren, and his son, Matthew Van Buren. Flowers may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Afton. Calling hours are Saturday, August 20th from 11am-1pm with a service beginning at 1pm at the church. Burial will immediately follow. Share condolences online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements by C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel.