FILCHOCK, MARTIN - was born January 6, 1912 and passed away early Wednesday morning, September 5, 2012. Martin will be remembered by all as a happy man with a good sense of humor, an optimist to the end, and an excellent husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Martin's life goal was to be the oldest actively working American cartoonist, and he reached that goal shortly before suffering from a stroke just shy of his 100th birthday. His career spanned over eight decades: he won his first cartoon contest in the 5th grade, and he continues to have original, unprinted work published to this day. An early cartoonist in the golden age of comic books, Martin developed characters such as the C.C. Kid, Obo Ossie, Mighty Man, and the Headless Horseman, among others. He worked for Centaur Comics and The Funny Pages. One of Martin's more well-known creations was the "Check and Double Check" puzzle for Highlights for Children magazine, which he drew for over forty years. More than a hundred magazines, including The Saturday Evening Post, Medical Economics, Good Housekeeping, JAMA, the Christian Science Monitor, American Legion, The Weekly World News and Readers Digest, have published Martin's freelance work over the years. His most recent comics appear in Looking Back and Electrical Apparatus. Martin was born in Grindstone, PA, and he lived most of his life in New York City, NY, Sarasota, FL, and Rogersville, TN. He spent his younger years working in the Civilian Conservation Corps and traveling the country via boxcar during the Great Depression, and, later, pitching semi-professional baseball. He also served his country in the 8th Army headquarters during World War II. During this period of his life, Martin drew countless cartoons. His life and work has been featured in several recent publications including Alter Ego, The Christian Science Monitor, Everything Knoxville, Hogan's Alley, The Rogersville Review, Tennessee magazine, and American Profile. Martin is preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia, and his parents, Mary and George Filchock, as well as siblings, George, Victor, Frank, Catherine, and Mary. He is survived by his daughter, Joanne Filchock, M.D., and two grandchildren, Emily and William Noggle. Martin's brother, John Filchock, and several nieces and nephews also survive him. Special thanks goes to Martin's many friends and neighbors for their kindness and support, in particular, to G.G. Faircloth for maintaining his website and to Doc Trent for his friendship and for the care he has given to Martin's beloved dogs. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Click Funeral Home Middlebrook Chapel. Private graveside services will be held Edgewood Cemetery, 229 Gallaher View Road in Knoxville, TN, with Rev. Mark Beebe and Carol Hollar officiating. Full military honors will be conferred by the Easat Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hawkins County Animal Shelter or the Young Williams Animal Shelter. Click Funeral Home, 9020 Middlebrook Pike is serving the Filchock family. www.clickfh.com
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Dr. Filchock,
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss. Your father left the world a better place through his service and humor.
Dianna and Kathleen bond
Dianna Bond
September 10, 2012
Dr. Filchock,
Our thoughts are with you and your family in this time of loss and grief.
Dianna and Kathleen Bond
Dianna Bond
September 10, 2012
Always thinking of you and the impression you made on our life. Rusty and Susan.
Rusty Thompson
September 8, 2012
So sorry to hear about your Dad, I can see you in that sweet face. Jana, and I, send you our best, and will be thinking of you. Dee Smelcer
September 8, 2012
My condolences. I'm a big fan of his work for Centaur Comics, especially Mighty Man. Have yet to see the Headless Horseman strip though
Edward Love
September 7, 2012
DR.FILCHOCK,I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR FATHER . I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS SENSE OF HUMOR AND HIS WONDERFUL CARTOONS , I WILL CHERISH THE ONES HE SO WILLING SHARED WITH ME. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
MATTIE BUTLER
September 7, 2012
we will miss Martin's special sense of humor and his generous nature. he was truly one of a kind. it was a privilege to have known him. may his art live forever just as he will live in our hearts. Judith and Norris Wade
September 7, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Ms Iva J Kirby
September 7, 2012
Dr. Flichock I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We will be praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow. Our condolences.
William Widener
September 7, 2012
Our thoughts are with you, Joanne, Emily and Will. We knew Martin only at the end of his journey on this planet, but we knew him long enough to realize what a special person he was. After your initial period of grieving, you will be left with the happy memories all of you have of your father and grandfather. We send to you our deep condolences.
Phil and Sharron King
September 7, 2012
Vicki, I will always remember Uncle Martin as one of the few people who found joy in the smallest things.In fact even now, I can still hear his laughter in my head; what a gift. Mom and dad adored both he and your mother. Know that he brought joy to the lives of all he met. Take care of yourself. Love, Connie
September 7, 2012
Sorry to read of the loss of your dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John Garrison & Teresa Fillmore
John Garrison
September 7, 2012
Dr. Filchock,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debra & Bob Russell
September 6, 2012
We are so sorry to hear about your father. There was such great love that would show on your face when you would talk about him and he was obviously very proud of you! Words can't heal pain, just know that you are in our prayers. I am sure your father is prouder of the legacy he left in his family than any of his work. May God bless you and comfort you now and in the coming days.
Harold & Sherry Marcom
September 6, 2012
Joanne, Our thought and prayers are with you at the loss of your precious Dad. We love.
Shirley &Kim Poulos
September 6, 2012
DR. FILCHOCK,
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER. YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
MARY, JOHN AND GAIL GRIFFIN
September 6, 2012
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