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BORN
1940
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Earl Martin Obituary
He was born March 4, 1940, in Jacksonville, the son of Estel and Hazel Smith Martin. He married Linda June Devoy on Nov. 4, 1961, in Jacksonville, and she survives.
He is also survived by three children, Susan Malthe (husband, Rob) of Rockford, Cheryl Cooper (husband, John) of Jacksonville and Michael Martin (wife, Manda) of Jacksonville; four grandchildren, Canduss Connell (husband, Ryan) of Rockford and Tyler Griffin, Logan Griffin and Griffin Martin, all of Jacksonville; two great-grandchildren, Camden and Brody Connell, both of Rockford; six siblings, Phyllis "Sis" Scott (husband, Jim) of Winchester, Bill Martin (wife, Roxy) of Land-O-Lakes, Fla., Judy Hoots (deceased husband, Grover) of South Jacksonville, Ronnie Martin (wife, Penny) of Jacksonville, Wayne Martin (wife, Kay) of Springfield and Nancy McClure of South Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Fred Martin and Ray Martin (surviving wife, Dee of Colorado Springs, Colo.).
A 1958 graduate of Jacksonville High School, Earl was employed over 40 years by Kraft Foods/AC Humko in Jacksonville. After retiring, he joined the staff of Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home which allowed him to continue to befriend and help others. A knowledgeable and avid dirt track racing fan, Earl spent many weekends as an announcer for the Jacksonville and Spoon River Speedways. In addition, he was the number one fan and promoter of his family's M & G Racing Team.
Earl was a dedicated member and past president of the Jacksonville Lions Club, devoting much time to their many community projects. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge and a former member of their ritual team. Earl was always quick to volunteer his assistance and take time for a conversation with friends. He loved to attend his grandchildren's sporting events, an occasional fishing trip, and any opportunity to spend time with his family.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, south of Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Jacksonville Lions Club. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.buchanancody.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Martin
Canduss
March 3, 2021
The pan is real...the wonderful memories will always be with me. Happy Birthday Grandpa
Love
Dee
Carolyn and Peter Hartley
January 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are of Earl's family including Linda, his children and his grandchildren. We will always remember Earl for his friendly ways and his great ability to talk! Our 55th JHS reunion and ALL future reunions will not be the same without him but I have a feeling that he will be watching over us with his smile.
January 20, 2011
michael,cheryl and martin family you have my sympthony,if theres anything i can do for you i am here.love you michael and cheryl,
mary williams
Tom Sallee
January 19, 2011
Tyler, Sorry to hear about your grandfather. I first met him many years ago when he was at Kraft Foods and he showed me around his department. He was such an outgoing person, he was hard to forget. When you were in high school he told me how proud he was of your success in football. Take Care, Tom Sallee
Amy Berry-Rollet
January 19, 2011
Mike, it was sad to hear about your loss. May your wonderful memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Jane Hartman
January 19, 2011
Cheryl, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you and your family. I know in time, you will have beautiful, fun filled memories to replace the sadness you are feeling now. "Any man can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a dad".
January 19, 2011
May the love and support of family & friends help to comfort you all.Earl's presence in the community will be truly missed.Our hearts go out to you with deepest sympathy. Karen,Stan & Sue Hayes, Rick & Janet Whalen and families.
January 19, 2011
Ron,
So sorry to hear about Earl. I remember him from our "spirited" basketball games way back when. My condolences and thoughts to you and Penny and all the Martin family.
Ralph
Sean & Jen Saylor
January 19, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
david brogdon
January 19, 2011
Linda and family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Sincerly David and Nigle Brogdon
January 18, 2011
Linda, Susan, Cheryl and Michael, We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Earl so much. It seemed wherever we were Earl was there also. The grandchildrens games, the races, benefits,he was everywhere any one needed him. We know you are so proud of Earl and all his accomplishments. Watch out God for Earl is there to let you have some rest. Love ya Earl, Jim Hamilton and Nancy Brogdon
Robin Sanders
January 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Earl always had a kind word and seem to know just the right words to say to a person. Betty Fanning and Robin Sanders(Betty's daughter)
Jenny Wells
January 18, 2011
May God give you all peace and comfort that can only come from him at this time. Earl was a wonderful person and always ready with a kind word and a smile. Cody, Buchanan have a lot wonderful staff and Earl was one of the best.He will be missed. Jenny and Jr Wells from Joy Comes In The Morning Flowers
John M. Hall
January 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
JAS Racing 13
January 18, 2011
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your families at this difficult time. Earl was a wonderful man & will be missed greatly. May he rest in peace.
JAS Racing 13
January 18, 2011
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you and your families during this difficult time. Earl was a wonderful man, may he rest in peace.
Tim Shipp
January 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of sorrow. Earl will be greatly missed. I remember when I used to go to all those softball games with my father back in the 70,s and Earl came with smiles and ambition to play the game. Those were good times and memories.
Janette Rhoades
January 18, 2011
Cheryl: While I don't know the perfect words to say to comfort you & and your family in your time of sorrow, I do want you to know how sorry I was to hear of your dads passing. My warmest thought are with you and you family.
January 18, 2011
WE ARE KEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN OUR HEART THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. ROGER JACK AND DEBBIE CULVER
MURELL STEWART
January 18, 2011
LINDA AND FAMILY.
I WAS SADDEN TO HEAR ABOUT EARL.
MY HEART GOES OUT FOR YOU AND FAMILY.
WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS.
WITH DEPEST SYMPATHY.
FRIENDS FROM MISSISSIPPI.
MURELL STEWART
Wendell/Ruth Brown
January 18, 2011
Linda - We are so sorry for your loss of Earl . . . he and Wendell were boyhood friends. Ruth and Wendell Brown
Sandy Burger
January 18, 2011
I am soo sorry for your loss. Earl was a great friend to my son Ryan at the race track and one of the best employees at Cody's.
Kathy and Dan Griffin
January 18, 2011
Cheryl and family, Our heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Earl always had a strong positive presence in his grandsons' lives. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy and Dan Griffin
January 18, 2011
Cheryl: I wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear of the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Susan Wood
January 17, 2011
Linda and family, so sorry for your loss. Earl was a wonderful
person. 26 yrs ago he was at our wedding
reception and quoted "If you kids ever need
anything, anytime you let me know. " He kept
those words and when asked to help with Tammy's
Moms/Aunt Sue's benefit there was no hesitation. Earl
always gave 100% in everything he did. We are
very glad to have known him and could call him a friend.
Peace be with you. Brian and Tammy Slater
Jacksonville, IL
Bob & Kitty Conant
January 17, 2011
Our sympathies to Earl's family and siblings. He was a godly man who will be missed. Bob and Kitty Conant
Robert Crowe
January 17, 2011
I enjoyed my friendship with Earl and have always appreciated his work and support for the young people in the public schools. I am saddened by his passing and give my best wishes to the family.
Harley and Mary Holt
January 17, 2011
Linda and family we are so sorry to hear about Earl. He and I were life long friends. Please know that you all are in Mary and I's prayers. Harley and Mary Holt
Craig Anders
January 17, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in your time of sorrow.
Team "55" Racing
Phyllis Evans
January 17, 2011
Condolences to the family and friends of Earl.I have had the pleasure of working with Judy and Nancy. God bless you and your families.
Love and prayers.
Phyllis Evans
January 17, 2011
Susie and family ,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family .
What a special man your father was.
He will be greatly missed .
Mark ,Denise and Mikey
mark smith
January 17, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carroll Woolfolk
January 17, 2011
I worked with Earl at Anderson Clayton back in the 60's when it was Anderson Clayton. I still remember him and things that went on back then.
Rhonda (Holliday) Wehmhoff
January 17, 2011
Cheryl, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry to hear about your dad. Look to the Lord and he will help during this difficult time.
Janell Hutton
January 17, 2011
Condolences to the family. The Huttons Doyle, Judy, Janell and Jovie
Kate Sorrells
January 17, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are going out to you this day in memory of Earl; he was such a caring person, he will be certainly missed; Paul and Kate Sorrells
Kim McDannald Israel
January 17, 2011
My heart and prayers go out to the family.
January 17, 2011
earl was one of my customers at wareco. he was really a nice man. always upbeat beat. we really enjoyed him as a customer. you and your family are in my prayers.
Barb Hawkins
January 17, 2011
I was saddened to hear about Earl. He was always so cheerful wherever he was. An unforgetable guy! May the peace of God be with all your family.
a classmate and friend
January 17, 2011
our condolences to your family in the passing of earl martin. our thoughts and prayers are with you. charles and jane heitbrink
Howard Wilson
January 17, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family we had a lot of good times together.Mr and mrs Howard Wilson.
January 17, 2011
Mike, Manda and family. So sorry to hear about your father. My sincere sympathy. Shirley Chapman, Ganado, TX
dick fitzsimmons
January 17, 2011
so sad to hear about EARL passing.
he was a good and fun freind
January 17, 2011
Our thoughs and prayers go out to the family.Wehad a lot of good times together.Mr&Mrs Howard Wilson.
Shawn Northrop & Family
January 17, 2011
You're in our thoughts Please know how much you are loved and how deeply your loss is felt by all.
Lisa McVay
January 17, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Earl at my restaurant, the Crock Pot Cafe ('97-2008), in Ashland. What a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss. May peace be in your hearts. God Bless.
Mike Ferris
January 17, 2011
My prayers are with all the family.We will missed you Earl
Boyd and Jane Farmer
January 17, 2011
Our family's thoughts and prayers are with all of the Martins. When we think of Earl, we think of his great laugh. He will be missed.
Ron & Marilyn Lawless
January 16, 2011
Our sincere sympathy and prayers are with all the family. Earl will be missed!
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