John 'Dick' Martin

John ‘Dick’ Martin, 86, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away May 23, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Centralia, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born September 3, 1937, in Greenville, Illinois the son of Charles Arnold and Mary Mabel (Siever) Martin. He married Patricia Alsbury and they later divorced. He was then blessed with over 40 years of companionship with Kathryn Sue Pokojski Deadmond.

As a young child, John had a very good work ethic that carried into his adult years, as he worked a variety of jobs to earn money. He had milk and newspaper routes, worked at tire shops, skinned fur, roofed, just to name a few. He worked maintenance at Utlaut Hospital, at the Huddleson Children home for 15 years, and the Centralia City Schools for 15 years, starting at age 70, until he passed.

He was a complete jokester, always on the move, rarely took time to sit down, and was always on the hunt for a special project. He was an avid motorcycle and car collector who was always on a mission to find the next perfect item to refurbish and sell or just drive until the right buyer came along. He and his brother, Bob, collected clocks of all shapes, sizes, and makes, as well as making his own radios and CBs.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

He is survived by his long-time companion, Kathy Deadmond of Centralia, Illinois; his children, John E. (Laurie) Martin of Centralia, Illinois, Daniel Martin of Benton, Illinois, Katherine (Jim) Brandsma of St. Charles, Missouri, Lori Kissiar of Greenville, Illinois; step children, Michael Deadmond  and Stacy Deadmond, both of Centralia, Illinois; 17 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and brother, Robert Martin of Normal, Illinois.

Graveside service: 11:00 am., Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Greenville, Illinois, with Rev. Pete LeDuc, officiating.

The family asks that donations be given in lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, in memory of John, and mailed to the Second Chance Animal Rescue, 1332 N. 1150 St., Vandalia, IL 62471.

The family has entrusted Assalley-Young Funeral Home with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.