Richard “Dick” Martin

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, 4 ^th BN-2 ^nd 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.