Richard “Dick” Martin
d. December 20, 2023
Richard “Dick” Dwight Martin, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. He was born September 18, 1935 to Joseph Dwight and Mary Elizabeth (Gay) Martin in Barry, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; two sisters, Betty Robb and Charlotte Rhoades; and his parents.
He married Wilma Lee Hamilton on April 5,1958 in Ursa Christian Church, Ursa, Illinois.
Dick is survived by his children, Bradley (Susan) Martin, Sherry (Curt) Williams, Darla Reed, Mary (Kyle Sr.) King; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; cousin, Lyle Campbell; sister, Alice (Ronnie) Becker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dick graduated from Seymour High School in 1954, in Payson, Illinois. After high school he attended Gem City Business College in Quincy, Illinois.
He worked as an Orderly at Blessing Hospital in Quincy where he met his wife, Wilma.
He later moved to Chicago and worked for a railroad company in the accounting department until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Dick attended the U.S. Army Training Center Engineering School in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, 4th BN-2nd RGT starting in November 1958. He served as a Supply Seargeant.
After serving for the US Army, he accepted a position at MoorMan Manufacturing Company and was later assigned to Cantrall, Illinois. During his time with MoorMan, Dick was a livestock farmer in the Athens area. The farm included an orchard, bees, vineyards, sweet corn, strawberries, and large gardens.
After he retired from MoorMan he worked for Huebner Tire Company in Petersburg, Illinois.
He was a member of the Athens United Methodist Church and is a current member of the Faith Outreach Christian Center.
Dick loved Chicago Cubs baseball, camping, and fishing. He served as a 4-H leader. Dick played in a bowling league for many years. He was a member of Athens Jaycees where he served as President. He was a member of Escapees RV Club where he served as “Wagon Master”. Dick never met a stranger.
He was faithful to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ all of his life. Dick is reunited with his loving wife of 65 years.
Visitation for Dick will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home, 206 N. Main Street in Athens. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at11:00 AM at Faith Outreach Christian Center in Sherman with Pastor Paul Ayappa officiating. Burial will be held immediately after the services at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.
Memorial contributions can be sent to the Faith Outreach Christian Center; 6800 Bahr Road; Sherman, IL 62684.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
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Posted December 23rd, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Sorry to hear your Dad passed. We always thought a lot of your parents and camping fun we had. God bless you kids.
Posted December 26th, 2023 at 4:03 pm
Heaven has welcomed a good faithful man. Our sympathies to Brad, Sherry, Darla and Mary. May the wonderful Holy Spirit comfort you and give you peace.
Posted December 27th, 2023 at 4:50 pm
Brad and family,
I’m so very sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. What a year 2023 has been for all of you — to lose both parents so close together. Although, they weren’t apart for this Christmas after all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Margaret Gaedtka
Posted December 30th, 2023 at 11:23 am
Sherry and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember when your dad would pick us up after a few hours of candy striping at the nursing home in Petersburg. He was such a nice gentleman; both of your parents were fine people. Praying for God’s comfort for all of you.
Posted December 30th, 2023 at 4:19 pm
Dena and I would like to pass on our condolences to the Martin children. I knew Brad and Sherry from school in Athens.
Posted January 6th, 2024 at 11:47 am
I am sorry to learn of the deaths of Dick and Wilma. Briefly in their life they were neighbors to my parents, Lee and Sue Huff, when your parents lived on Linden Point at Lake Petersburg. Your parents were always cheerful, busy living life but always took the time to speak with all of the neighbors. I had no idea of their prior work history and where they lived until I read Dick’s obituary. What a great and full life they lived. Truly one of a kind loving people. I will pray for the repose of their souls.
Posted January 14th, 2024 at 10:41 am
Thank you Sherry for letting me know of Richard”s passing. Richard and I First met at Gem City Business college
in Quincy ,Illinois . We also roomed together at a boarding house and did odd jobs around town to earn extra money. Have many great memories of Richard, he was a wonderful friend and pal. After graduation from school,
we both followed my brother to Oak Park,Illinois, where we both found jobs in Chicago.
It was an honor to be Richard’s best man at his wedding to Wilma. It was a Great Marriage, and I am sure they
were very happy together. Marriage, families, jobs and miles between us limited our close relationship to phone
calls.
Will pray that their souls, {Richard’s and Wilma’s} will be welcomed into heaven by the heavenly father.