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Stephen Lee “Woody” Martin, 77, passed peacefully surrounded by love on Monday, September 14th, 2026 at his home in Burnside, KY. He was born February 3, 1949 in Cincinnati, OH to his proud parents, the late Donald and Alma Lea Martin. Steve is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Katherine Jones and father-in-law Willie Jones.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vickie Cole- Martin; brother-in-law Steve Jones (Diane); his daughter, Liza Martin-Voge (David Voge); his son, Matt (Jessica) Martin; grandsons, Miles and Julian Martin; sons, Justin (Laura) Cole, Brandon (Angela) Cole; granddaughters, Madison, Lexi, Sophie, Charlotte, and Lillian Cole. He is also survived by Deborah Capuano and family, several loving cousins and many friends as well as his best friends/brothers and partners in pranks, Mark Walker and Jim Hubbell.
A 1967 graduate of Ross high School, Steve went on to receive a degree in education from Troy University, Troy, AL. After college he enjoyed traveling Europe before settling down to work and raising a family. He worked in the Butler County juvenile Court as a probation officer for Judge Black and later went on to work in Butler County as probation officer for the state of OH. Following his retirement, he served as bailiff in Hamilton Municipal Court for Judge Dan Gattermeyer. Then in September 2020 he moved to Burnside, KY with his wife Vickie to relax, enjoy retirement, and be on the lake that he loved.
Steve loved his family deeply and never missed a chance to brag about his kids. He was always making friends and building lasting relationships with his colleagues, biker buddies, and friends made while boating on Lake Cumberland. Steve and Vickie have many cherished memories from several trips to his “Happy Place,” St. Thomas and St. John USVI.
A huge thank you is extended to Jeff Eck and Steve Jones for always being there to help care for him physically and emotionally these past years of his illness. Thank you for all the phone calls from Grady, Mark, and Hubble. You have no idea how much that meant to him. Also, a warm thank you to Hospice and Nina Booth for your professionalism and kindness you gave.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” held in Hamilton, Ohio at a later date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Stephen Lee “Woody” Martin.