Martin J. McNeelan, Jr. of Franklin, IN passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the age of 69 years. He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Jackie, as well as three daughters: Valerie Petty (Kevin), Natalie Fredenburg (Tyler), and Kimberly McNeelan, 8 grandsons, and 1 granddaughter. He is also survived by his brother, Mikel and three sisters, Becky Pulley, Babs Hull, and Brenda Fields. His parents, Martin and Beverly (Jackson) McNeelan, preceded him in death
Martin was a humble man who was devoted to and loved his family. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved his Lord, playing golf, hunting, fishing, watching college basketball, boating, good food, and traveling. In recent years, he had learned the pleasures of reading a good book and assisting in creating public art. Martin patiently taught his children and grandchildren many life skills including hard work, patience, the love of animals and the outdoors through hunting, waterskiing, and fishing.
Born in Batesville, Indiana on February 18, 1957, he grew up on the family farm near Holton, Indiana and graduated from South Ripley High School. Martin enjoyed returning to the farm, accompanied by his children and grandchildren, so they could experience some of the pleasures he had while growing up there. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and spent his entire professional career in sales, first with his parents at American Machinery & Tool, and then in auto sales. Martin and Jackie lived and raised their family on North Hurricane Road, Johnson County, Indiana for over forty years. They moved to Franklin, Indiana five years ago to allow more time to pursue retirement pleasures. For Martin, that meant more golf and little lawn work.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 6PM at Grace United Methodist Church 1300 East Adams Street in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.franklingrace.org live stream service tab. Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4PM until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County 211 Commerce Drive Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.jcpantry.org or the Johnson County Public Library Foundation 49 East Monroe Street Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.jcplf.org.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.