

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Obituary
On March 17, 2025, in Kitwe, Zambia, Joe Marton unexpectedly went to be with our Lord and Savior. Born on March 25, 1972, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Joe was a man full of life, passion, and unwavering faith. He spoke Hungarian fluently and recently received his Hungarian citizenship, a connection to his heritage that he deeply cherished.
Though Joe grew up in Windsor and was baptized in the Apostolic Christian Church, he spent most of his adult life in Southern California, where he was an active member of Kindred Community Church in Anaheim Hills. In 2005, he left behind the comforts of California to serve in Kenya with Christ Hope International, dedicating his life to ministry and caring for children in need. In 2022, his journey led him to Lifesong for Orphans in Zambia, where he continued to serve until the Lord called him home.
Joe thrived on relationships—he was a man who loved people deeply and intentionally. Known to countless children as "Uncle Joe," he invested in their lives with a heart full of love, laughter, and competition. Whether it was tennis, volleyball, or even a video game, he was always ready for a challenge, not just for the thrill of the game but for the joy of connection. He was athletic and full of energy, but he never went anywhere without his inhaler, always prepared in case his asthma kicked in. His contagious smile and adventurous spirit made him a friend to many across the world.
He lived simply, always ready to travel at a moment’s notice, embracing life wherever God placed him. Music was a constant in his life—he loved singing old gospel hymns as well as belting out songs while driving with the windows down. Above all, Joe had a servant’s heart. He was the hands and feet of Jesus, pouring himself into others without hesitation.
Though Joe never married, he had more than 1,000 orphaned children whom he loved as his own. His friendships spanned the globe, and he was deeply loved by those who knew him. While in Zambia, he worked closely with his dear friend Dennis Delic, with whom he shared a passion for squash and motorcycle adventures across Africa. He was also a deacon at Kitwe Church and was actively involved in youth ministry.
Joe passed away in the arms of his friend Dennis after an intense game of squash, suffering a sudden heart attack. His departure leaves an unfillable void, but he would want us to carry on his legacy—serving others joyfully and wholeheartedly, just as he did.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Maria Marton. He is survived by his siblings: Daniel (Marika), Robert (Sheila), Peter (Karen), Samuel (Velinka), and Melinda (Stephen) Bodjanac. He was a cherished uncle to 16 nieces and nephews and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews: Stephanie, Natalie, Josiah (Kiana), Sarah (Jimmy), Nathan (Courtney), Zac (Bri), Manoah (Erin), Aaden (Sam), Simeon, Abbie (Jesse), Isabelle, Emma, Kelsey (Joe), Kaitlyn (Samuel), Michael, Clarissa, Jonah, Savi, Sophia, Bentley, Rory, Liam, Noah, Jude, James, and Milo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lifesong Zambia (https://give.lifesong.org/lifesong/joe-marton-memorial), ensuring that Joe’s heart for orphaned children continues to make an impact.
Joe lived with passion, loved without reservation, and served with joy. He was exactly where God wanted him to be, and he glorified Him every step of the way. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and service will continue in the lives he touched.
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Memory wall



Joe was foundational in growing the ministry of Christ’s Hope. In 2005 he was key in establishing a beachhead in Kenya which eventually spread to all of East Africa. Joe recruited and worked alongside Martin (Edith) Chamah who served for a decade as Kenya’s first country team leader.
You never knew exactly where in world Joe might be on any given day; he had friends everywhere. In fact, on one trip, he told me (Dave Kase) when we were going to be traveling to a certain town “I have friends in that town, but I haven’t met them yet.” Many of his friends caught his vision for the work of Christ’s Hope and became ministry partners.
Over his many years with Christ’s Hope, Joe served as a US Board member and chairman, fund developer, networker, advisor, and friend.
We will miss Joe’s sense of humor, his zest for life, his great joy in loving people well all over the world. Thank you, Joe, for all you have done that is now being multiplied and used to bless thousands of lives in Africa.
For all of us in Christ’s Hope, whose lives have been touched and transformed through Joe,
Dave Kase
International Director, Retired.





Praying comfort over the Marton family in this time of grief. Cherish all those precious memories!
Steve & Bianca
Praying for Lord’s healing comfort and peace.
Zoran & Pearl Nenadov
Although we never got to see each other often, you were spoken of and thought of more than you knew. Finally got to see you face to face though, at your brother Dan's last year!
Until another face to face, may you fly high On Eagle's Wings, singing that Heaven Song and be Dancing With The Angels. May your soul joyfully proclaim Heaven's Now My Home, and where we will all meet at Jesus' feet.




When I got married and we started having children, uncle Joey came over with uncle Ricky (Udicki) for Survivor night. Our children still refer to him as "uncle Joey".
We served in AWANA together in California and played Canadian street hockey with the clubbers.
So many great memories.... many great conversations about God and life... I was truly blessed by Joey, my little brother in Christ and I know he has been used by God to impact so many more.


With sincerest sympathy from
the Arevalo family 🇵🇭


Joe left a lasting mark on me. On my last day at Marton, he called me into his office and prayed for me to be successful in life and to trust God. That moment and prayer stayed with me through the years, and later on, it played a big part in my journey to truly find and accept God. I’ll always cherish that prayer, it meant more to me than words can express. Joe’s kindness and faith were a gift, and his memory will live on in all of us who were fortunate to know him. My thoughts are with the entire Marton family during this difficult time. Thank you, Daniel and Robert, for everything. God bless you all 🙏
Zsolt and Ofelia
He always said it's ok 😂. We shared a deep love for the motorbike as much as we shared love for young people. His last message to me was a meeting that he wanted to have Sunday for the teens leaders. He was truly a brother in Christ.

What a fun and engaging evening we all shared!
After our meal we ended up around the piano singing Zions Harp songs.
He couldn't get enough!
He will surely be missed here on earth but I can only imagine the songs he will be singing in Heaven with our Lord!
Hallelujah!


Visiting you in Zambia and seeing where your passion for missions led you serving Christ and loving Him ,sharing who Jesus is with others.
I loved how anywhere we would go if you heard an accent from a complete stranger you would strike up a conversation and find out where they were from and open the door for some great conversation and even friendships. Joey could talk to anyone, anywhere ,anytime. He truly had that gift.
You are more than just my brother-in-law you were a great friend.
You were the funcle to Kelsey, Kaitlyn, Michael and Clarissa. You sure had a way to connect with those kids at every stage of life. You adored them and loved them so much, embarrassing them when you had the chance. They loved your goofiness and the adventures you shared snowboarding in Colorado, FIFA with Michael, Countless tennis and Pickleball games and endless beach volleyball, then more Hungarian sausage. You were a godly example to them and encouraged them to stay strong in their faith and walk with Christ. They loved you so much. I will miss you, Joey. I loved you so much. I will see you once again in heaven.
Stephen
Death leaves a heartache that only God can heal, a memory. No one can steal.
“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again.
Acts 20:36-38
He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."”
Revelation 21:3-4
We had a great time serving together at LifeSong, creating wonderful memories.
Just as he was the first person I met upon arrival, he was also the last, taking me back to the airport. He was kind, always willing to help and serve, and I truly enjoyed his company.
Very sad to hear this news.
Rest in peace in Christ.



I will miss you SO much but just to mention a few things we enjoyed. Playing tennis, having steak dinner/pool hang and playing games with our children and singing hymns and worship songs together.
Thank you for all the inspiration to be a Man of God and try to make a difference in this world. Can’t wait to see you up there 👆 Love you bro.
It's really so unbelievable to know we won't play tennis again. You were a good partner to everyone and your presence glowed with so much cheer and love. The kids from the club loved you and so we did. Go well, indeed an angel lived with us. May the good Lord receive you well. Rest easy man. So broken 💔
Condolences to all of your family. Praying for strength and peace🙏🏻
Uncle Joe, first I want to say that words can not explain how heartbroken we are for the loss of having you in our lives, but how thankful we are to have had the privilege to have known you.
You have been there for our family in ups and downs and the kids adored you.
Our hearts are broken and the loss of your presence is going to be hard to understand.
But we have been so Blessed by you , Thank you for all the great memories🤍
You had the biggest heart with an unselfish agenda, helping others unconditionally. That is a true hero.
You will be so missed by so many. Every heart you touched is so saddened to not have you on this worldly earth anymore.
But that is us being selfish.
You are living your best life in heaven with Jesus and singing old hymns with your parents and I’m sure you seen my mom up there too.
You are and will always be our Uncle Joe and I am living every day in faith knowing that I’ll see you again in heaven🤍
Psalm 23
Stina Hubinette






We loved Joe. He was so friendly, so loving & so thoughtful. He had such a love for the Lord & for being obedient to His calling. He is the perfect example where we can confidently say that Jesus told Joe; "Well done my good & faithful servant." I posted 4 pictures above.




Joe has been a great friend to me for over 25 years, and an incredible uncle to my three kids. We always tell our friends that "Uncle Joe" is in town and they need to come meet him. All the time, especially the week long visits he spent with us in the past few years, was memorable, and we all looked forward to his visits with excitement and sad when it was time for him to leave. Joe knew where he was going after life here, and he spoke of it often, so I know he is embraced by family and friends as he is in heaven now.
My commitment to Joe is that moving forward I want to live my life like Uncle Joe: to fully embrace every conversation, laugh often, be intentional in my relationships, always be ready for the next adventure, and, most importantly, passionately seek Christ daily.
I’ll see you again in heaven, my friend. And when I do, be ready for a big hug!








Service
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