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Kenneth Martin Obituary
Ken was a loving husband and father. He leaves behind wife Louanne, nee Moore, Martin of O'Fallon, IL, whom he married November 25, 1989 in Springfield, IL, children: Capt. Daniel (Jamie)Martin of Papa, Hungary, Benjamin Martin of Winter Park, FL, Hillarie Martin of O'Fallon, IL, brothers; Donald Martin Jr. of Gilbert, S.C., Larry (Rocio) Martin of Lexington, S.C., Andy Martin of Lyme, CT, cousins: Bert Jackson and Bonnie Jackson of Brewster, Mass., mother-in-law, Mary Lou, nee Wilson Moore of Springfield, IL, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Phil (Julie) Moore of Hoffman Estates, IL , Beth (Tom) Formea of Chatham, IL, Mary Alice (Terry) Stouffe of Springfield, IL, Margaret (Rev. Mark) Ingmire of Savannah, GA, and many other loving extended family and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; Donald Sr. and Shirley, nee Harmon, Martin and his father-in-law, Oliver (Bud) Moore.
Ken had attended Cornerstone Christian Church and Grace Church. Ken served 22 years of proud and honorable service in the United States Air Force and was the Superintendent for the Flight Management Division, Command and Control Division, Air Mobility Command Headquarters Tanker Airlift Control Center. He was directly responsible for the development, testing and implementation of Air Mobility's Flight Management System and Flight Dispatch of over 400 Air Mobility Command Missions worldwide. Senior Master Sergeant Martin flew 1168 missions, 5250 hours and received many awards, medals and ribbons.
Upon Ken''s retirement from the Air Force he worked for ISS in Honolulu, HI and currently for Tapestry Solutions (a Boeing Co.) in Swansea, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Kenneth Martin Children Educational Fund, c/o First National Bank of St. Louis, P.O. Box 850, O'Fallon, IL, 62269.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Schildknecht Funeral Home, O'Fallon, IL. Funeral service will be held Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Cornerstone Christian Church, 775 N. Greenmount Road, Shiloh, IL, with Pastor Rick Hodshire, Pastor Hal Santos and Pastor Mark Ingmire officiating. Full military honors will follow services.
Full obituary may be viewed and condolences may be extended to the family at www.schildknechtfh.com. Arrangements entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home and Cremation Services, O'Fallon, IL.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Martin
JD & Jerri Harston
October 28, 2021
Ken´s passing was a great loss to his family and friends. He will always remain in our thoughts and hearts.
Tom Timmons
December 22, 2010
I got sad news today. An ex co-worker and friend from Scott AFB, SMSgt (ret) Ken Martin, passed from a heart attack early in November in O'Fallon, Il. Ken was only 51. After Ken retired from the AF he moved to Hawaii where our paths crossed again. The kids reminded me that he video taped Katie and Dave's wedding and that he even jumped in on the end of it with his classic Elvis impersonation (he did a great Kermit too). A Christian man, father, friend, and wingman. Ken will be missed.
CRYSTAL COCHRAN
November 21, 2010
KEN WILL BE MISSED BE ALL HERE ON EARTH BUT LOVED BY ALL IN HEAVEN NOW THERE ARE TWO ANGELS ALWAYS LOOKING OVER EVERYONE NOW AND I TRUST HE WILL BE IN YOUR HEART ALWAYS
LOVE CRYSTAL COCHRAN
November 10, 2010
I am heartbroken to hear Kenny has left us all too early... but find great comfort that I will see him one day in heaven... He loved Jesus and knew him as his Lord and Savior, which in this world is all that matters in the end... To his wife and children, and to his brothers who I have know for 40+ years, I pray for peace for you all... your brother was an example of all that is good in this world... Praise God for allowing us all to be a part of his life... Rev. John P. Harris
Larry Martin
November 10, 2010
To my brother Ken, You've left to soon and I will miss you dearly. From our childhood to the wild and crazy guy era to the Kermit era. The voice messages and heart to heart talks. Your visits however brief they may have been. You wanted to be first, yet put others first, you wanted the best for everyone you came in contact with. You wanted a great wife, and Louanne(Barbie)you are the best, you wanted to raise the best children Dan, Ben And Hillarie have become fine young adults, you wanted to volunteer your time any chance you had, you did in many ways. You always wanted a big family reunion, you got it. However your were not there in body but you were in everyones heart. I'm very proud to have been your brother and am truley humbled by the events of the past week. Family and friends by the hundreds. The wonderful stories. The countless peoples lives that had been changed for the better by you. The strength and unity of family, friends and churches. You have left behind a lasting legacy that should go on forever. You had the smallest shoe size of us, yet left the biggest to fill. You truly had A Wonderfull Life!!
I LOVE YOU MAN!!! and will look for you on the other side.
November 10, 2010
Just heard about Ken. We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.Nancy, Marvin, Amanda, and Autumn Rensing
JoAnn Joshu Agne
November 9, 2010
I was saddened to hear of Ken's untimely death earlier today. I had the privledge of working with Ken, the Realtor at Coldwell Banker Brown in Belleville. I found him to be knowlegeable, dedicated, and hard working yet the most compassionate christian in every sense of the word. His great sense of humor was icing on the cake to make time with him enjoyable.
I didn't know his family personally although he spoke of you so lovingly. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
Another angel in heaven to guide us all home.
November 9, 2010
Not quite sure if I remember Ken. I retired from the 7th in 1976. If Ken was there at that time I'm sure I flew with him. We will pray for him and may God Keep him in His arms. May his soul rest in peace. God Bless.
Albert A. Pjosek (PJ)
Rick Stills
November 9, 2010
I had the pleasure of flying with Ken on numerous occasions but the one I remember the best was our trip together to McMurdo Station, Antartica back in 1986. A true aviator.
Rick Stills
MSgt,(Ret) 7th MAS, Flight Engieer
November 8, 2010
Ken was a pleasure to have in the 7th MAS. He never caused me any worries, becanse any job he was given was done above and beyond what was needed. I have flown with him many times and he was a true professional engineer. He will be missed very much by those of us that have the pleasure of knowing him. You have my deepest sympathy and respect.
Gary L. Thompson,CMsgt,USAF,Ret
7th MAS Chief Engineer
Col (ret) Danny Nugteren
November 8, 2010
Louann and kids,
Ken was a fantastic father, outstanding SNCO and great mentor. He took me under his wing when I joined TACC and provided sound guidance and humor through the years. His laugh and "Kermit the frog" imitation eased tension during stressfull times. He is a true "Tanker Toad". Kids, carry on his memory and values; he loved you all dearly!
November 8, 2010
Don and Larry,
We were so sorry to hear about Kenny. I'm so glad I finally got to meet him this past summer. We will keep you and your family in our prayers during this sad time.
Love,
Debbie and Brian
Jim and Terri Neighbors
November 7, 2010
Louanne, Daniel, Benjamin, Hillarie,
So very sorry to hear of Ken's passing this week. He was a great man, leader of others, follower of Christ and we have all been blessed to have known him. We can't imagine what you're going through right now, but we do commit to praying for the Martin family.
Very Sincerely,
Jim, Terri, Beth and Lee Anne Neighbors
Ken with goddaughter Sarah Anne
Ida Pearce
November 7, 2010
Ida Pearce
November 7, 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqDVvrk3gk
There are no words to express my sadness at Ken's passing... so I created this video. We have lost one of the best smiles to light the world and the sky is a little dimmer without his presence. The only consolation is that he will watch over us all now with angels wings - for surely no one is better qualified to fly with angels than Ken...
Ken - my "brother" - you will be missed... watch over your goddaughter Sarah and John Joseph... we love you.
Greg Padula
November 7, 2010
Ken was a great person and is a great soul and inspiration. I had the privilege of working with him in the TACC when he was selected as one of the 6 initial flight managers and the only one that was not a pilot or navigator. He proved what a true professional he was by excelling and being a significant part of the shaping of this completely new Air Force discipline. This is a great part of his legacy, but the most significant part is how he reached out and touched other people with his smile and heart. He was always there for folks. He will be missed us and many. I am sure he will not just rest in peace but bask in God's glory. Greg Padula and Janet Reese (Shiloh)
Sam and Lauren Munzer
November 7, 2010
Ken was not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but had an infectious positive and cheerful attitude that made the biggest cynic in the room put his guard down. I consider it an honor to have worked with him.
Ken, we will miss you.
John Pontillo
November 6, 2010
Louanne, Daniel, Benjamin and Hillarie:
I am so saddened by this news. I know your strong faith will get you through this. With Ken being the Godfather of my daughter Sarah Anne, I know she has an extra guardian Angel watching over her now. We will all miss Ken, especially his laugh and his great Kermit the Frog messages on our answering machine.. God Bless all of you..
Michael Sands
November 6, 2010
Deepest sympathies and sorrow from your former neighbors and friends from Seymour Johnson AFB. Ken will surely be missed by all that knew him; he was an excellent role model. God Bless - Michael, Susan, Brittany and Lindsay Sands
Barry Crocker
November 6, 2010
So sorry to here about Ken. Flew a number of hours with him out of Travis. He will be missed by all that had the privilege to know him. God Bless you all.
Barry L. Crocker, CMSgt, USAF (Ret)
Former C-141 Chief FE, 60th AMW
Michael and Prima Calvaresi
November 5, 2010
Louanne,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Take comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord God in heaven.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ken touched the lives of so many people. The words to describe him easily come to mind. To name just a few, Ken was loving, selfless, humorous, understanding, patient, encouraging, a genuine friend, leader, mentor, coach, and a dedicated father and husband. The list can easily go on. In short, he was a true Christian role model.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I respected Ken highly and I will always value the great memories of our friendship. His positive impact on all of us will long outlive his earthly life. May God continue to richly bless you and your family.
Michael and Prima Calvaresi
November 5, 2010
Louanne,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Take comfort in knowing that Ken is with the Lord God in heaven.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ken touched the lives of so many people. The words to describe him easily come to mind. To name just a few, Ken was loving, selfless, humorous, understanding, patient, encouraging, a genuine friend, leader, mentor, coach, and a dedicated father and husband. The list can easily go on. In short, he was a true Christian role model.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I respected Ken highly and I will always value the great memories of our friendship. His positive impact on all of us will long outlive his earthly life. May God continue to richly bless you and your family.
Jerry McCrave
November 5, 2010
Ken was a great person. Our paths crossed a number of different times during my tenure int he TACC. I am sorry to hear of his untimely death. He will certainly be sorely missed. Our prayers are with you and your family. ~ Jerry & Lynn McCrave
Bob and Martha Stowe
November 5, 2010
Ken was cool!!
He had a knack knowing what needed to be done and getting his co-workers to smile. Thoughts and prayers.
Rocio Martin
November 5, 2010
Louanne, Daniel, Benjamin and Hillarie: Experiencing this death is so personal very few can understand the grief involved. Kenny was one of the most warmest and kind-hearted people I know and will be missed by all. I send you all my sympathy and hope the loving words of friends and family make this difficult time a bit easier. Love Rocio
Dave & Becky Eveland
November 5, 2010
Louanne, Daniel, Benjamin and Hillarie: I have thought over the past several days since hearing the news. Ken was such an inspiration: a caring, loving and fun role-model to be around, one from whom I learned much. I know that he shared his kindness and faith with everyone w/o reservation. He was just the sort of person you could always talk to, and love that about him. I will miss him, as will Becky. I will also cherish the very fond memories I have and will gladly look forward to the day when I see him again. Cling to the faith you all share.
November 5, 2010
There are many great memories the golden girls and their parents have of Ken. He was one of those rare individuals that EVERYONE liked and respected. I feel very fortunate I was able to get to know him. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Kathleen Hughes
Harold & Moe Guckin
November 5, 2010
Luanne - I'm so sorry to learn of Ken's passing. He was a great co-worker & person who could make the worse of days better just by his up-beat demeanor & sense of humor. Please know that you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Keith Lynch
November 5, 2010
Luanne,
I was so sad to hear of Ken's passing. I was stationed with Ken at Seymour Johnson. You and your children are in my family thoughts and prayers.
November 5, 2010
It is truly a sad event for those of us who knew Ken, as we will miss his smile and his humor. Although we did not know him well, it was easy to note that he was special person, affable and devoted. May our Lord grant you a special comfort in the promise of being together again some day. Our love and prayers to you and your family,
Gary, Lynda & Logan Earhart
Steve and PF Heffern
November 5, 2010
Ken totally rocked. He was a great co-worker because he worked hard and knew a lot AND he had a fantastic sense of humor. Luanne, you and kids are in our prayers.
Judith & Jim Fitz
November 5, 2010
Louanne,
Jim and I were shocked to hear about Ken. I still remember him coaching Eric and Michael in T-ball and soccer at the base. What fun times the kids had and he made it that way. And making Elena laugh with his great Kermit the Frog impression. He was a wonderful person. May God bless you and comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Love,
Judith, Jim, Eric, and Elena Fitz
November 5, 2010
What a tragic loss for you and your entire family, Luanne. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Ken was a wonderful and loving person. Gary and Rose Trimble
Johnny Patrick
November 4, 2010
I haven't seen or heard from Ken since he left Travis, but he was never forgotten. We were friends and co-workers for many years. I only have good memories of flying with Ken. He will be missed by me and I'm sure, many others. Go with God, Friend.
John and April Moran
November 4, 2010
We have known and loved Ken and Louanne for many years. Ken will be greatly missed. He always made us laugh. May God bless Louanne.
Chuck Matheson
November 4, 2010
Ken was a great flight engineer and a good man. I have many fond memories of Ken from my days as a flight engineer while assigned to the 7th mas/as, Travis AFB, CA. You will be missed my friend. We will meet again one day and once again share many memories. Until then...God Speed my friend.
The Wright's
November 4, 2010
Will and I were shocked and saddened by the news that Ken had passed away. We have known Ken for many years and were so pleased when you Louanne entered his life. He loved you and the children and was a truly good man. He will be missed, but while we have our memories never be gone.
You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers, may God Bless and keep you.
Alice Rand
November 4, 2010
It is with the deepest of regret that I learned of Ken's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condonences. I will always remember him as the little boy tagging along with his brothers on Rogers Lake all those summers ago. Rest in peace Ken. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Scott & Teri Wilson
November 4, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He will be greatly missed for the inspiration in our familys lives.
Eugene Flowers
November 4, 2010
I am truly saddened by Ken’s death. Ken was more than a colleague, but also a friend. He was an amazing person, who greeted you with a positive outlook. He was always so kind and considerate that it was a wonderful pleasure to work with him. His passing will leave a void in the lives and hearts of everyone who knew him. Ken's memory will always remain deep within my heart. I extend my condolences to the Martin family.
Shannon Gurley Walker
November 4, 2010
My heart is heavy with this tragic news. Ken always knew how to put a smile on my face, and even now, with his passing, as I remember all the times our families spent together....I smile. Ken, you were loved, and will be greatly missed. Louanne, Daniel, Benjamin and Hillarie - you are loved and will be in my prayers.
Denise Rand
November 4, 2010
Louanne, Daniel, Ben, Hillary,
Larry, Andy and Don,
Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. I'm so saddened and shocked to hear of Kens passing. Know I'm thinking of you all during this difficult time and my heart and prayers go out to you with the loss of your husband, dad, and brother. May God continue to bless you with the beautiful memories of years that you were able to share together. Ken will truly be missed.
Cecil Brown
November 4, 2010
Louann and Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this to you guys, Jacqui and I love you guys very much and will miss Ken. We have very fond memories of Ken and know that he is in heaven waiting on all of us. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Pat & Gary Brock
November 4, 2010
Louann, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We remember the day you married Ken. We were so happy that you found someone who loved and appreciated you. You packed a lot of living into the wonderful life you shared together. We were privileged to know Ken and count him as our friend. He will be missed.
Eternal God, you have shared in the life of Ken Martin. Before he was theirs, he was yours. For all that Ken has given his family to make them what they are, for that of him which lives and grows in each of his children, and for his life that in your love will never end, we give you thanks. Now that Ken back in your arms, comfort Louann, Daniel, Ben and Hillary in their loneliness, strengthen them, and give them courage to face the future unafraid. Draw those who remain in this life closer to one another, and help them to again know peace and joy.
Love,
The Brock Family
Tom Manley
November 4, 2010
Ken did great work for us getting flight management up and running across the AF. Thank you Ken. Tom
November 4, 2010
Our condolences to all of you, the Holmes Family (Rachael)
Donna Biffar
November 4, 2010
Every morning Ken came into work and said "good morning" in his "announcer voice." He has always been a dear man and we will miss him terribly. It has been an honor to know him.
Del Brashares
November 4, 2010
Ken was great friend and major contributor to our GDSS team. Much of our success can be directly tied to the efforts of Ken and his Flight Management team. We look forward to seeing you down the road, Ken!
Jon Harston
November 4, 2010
Louanne,
Jerri and I were so saddened to hear the news of Ken's passing. It was such a shock to those of us here at McGuire AFB who knew Ken. You and the kids will be in our thoughts and prayers. Ken will be missed by us all.
Jon and Jerri Harston
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