Edwin Martin, the oldest known living man in the USA, dies at 111

The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is sadden to reported that Mr. Edwin “Ed” George Martin, the oldest known living man in the USA, sadly passed away in Lehigh Acres, Florida on 24 July 2026 at the final age of 111 years and 159 days.

Edwin Martin was born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on 15 February 1915, to parents Charles Andrew and Ida V (née Collins) Martin.

In the 1930s, he married Esther Laverne Smith in Maryland and went on to have at least two children together – a son and a daughter. Esther sadly passed away on 7 January 2004, aged 85, after which Edwin didn’t remarry.

Edwin worked his entire career with the Baltimore Fire Department, retiring in 1964. This is also when he and Esther moved to Florida.

On 18 January 2023, following the death of 110-year-old Willie Clark (12 December 1912 – 18 January 2023, unvalidated), he became the oldest known living man in the U.S. state of Florida.

On 29 December 2024, following the death of 110-year-old Eugene Baltes of Illinois, he became the oldest known living man born in the USA.

On 15 February 2025, Edwin celebrated his 110th birthday and became a supercentenarian. At the same day, his age was validated by the GRG, verified by GRG-UK Correspondent Oliver Trim.

On 15 June 2026, following the death of 111-year-old Luis Cano (born in Colombia) of New Jersey, he became the oldest known living man in the USA.

Edwin Martin passed away in Lehigh Acres, Florida, USA, on 24 July 2026, at the age of 111 years and 159 days. Following his death, then 110-year-old Major Jewel McDonald (born 1 November 1915) of Mississippi became the oldest known living man in the USA, and then 109-year-old Lyle Gittens (born 10 March 1917) became the oldest known living man in the U.S. state of Florida.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Edwin Martin during this difficult time.

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Death mention 1 (Facebook post)
Death mention 2 (Facebook post)