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Tommy Martin Obituary

TUSCOLA, ILLINOIS -Chief Deputy Sheriff, Tommy K. Martin, 59, of Tuscola, IL, passed away at 11:30 P.M., Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL. Public Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M., Saturday, July 21, 2007 at the Tuscola Community High School, 500 South Prairie Street, Tuscola, IL with an 8:00 P.M. Masonic Service. Condolences to the family may be sent to hilligossshraderfh.com A public graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, July 22, 2007 at the Tuscola Township Cemetery, with military graveside rites accorded. The Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL is handling the arrangements. Mr. Martin was born on December 12, 1947 in Tuscola, IL, the son of Clestes O. and Mary Edna Loyd Martin. Survivors include his son, Daniel Loyd Martin of Greensboro, NC; his daughter, Laura Pitts and husband Doug of Paris, IL; his brother, Robert Martin of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren, Lexie, Kathy and Corey. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Martin T.K. started with the Illinois State Police in 1978. He worked as a Crime Scene Investigator and CSI Field Supervisor. His duties included Training Coordinator and Quality Assurance Manager for the entire crime scene services command until his retirement in 2002. In addition he was an Instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute in Little Rock, AR. He began serving as Chief Deputy Sheriff of Douglas County in 2004. Tommy was a member and deacon of the Tuscola United Church of Christ. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Tommy was a member of the Tuscola Warrior VFW Post #1009, Tuscola American Legion Post #27, Watkins Glen, NY American Legion Post #555, Watkins Glen, NY Elks Lodge #1546, Tuscola Moose Lodge #729 and the Tuscola Masonic Lodge #331, AF&AM. He was a 1966 Graduate of Tuscola Community High School. In Lieu of Flowers, the family has suggested that memorials be made to the Tommy K. Martin Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund c/o Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL 61953 To sign the online guestbook, go to www.jg-tc.com and click on obituaries.
Published by Journal Gazette & Times-Courier on Jul. 20, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Tommy Martin

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Kim Evans

July 30, 2007

How sad to have lost a loved one to such a senseless crime but such a honor to have had such a wonderful loved one in your life I am sorry that it was so short of a time. He will live in you forever

Anita Story and family

July 27, 2007

I did not know Officer Martin, however, he had the bed next to my cousin in ICU. You have my condolences. Mr. Martin is an American Hero of the highest caliber.

Sandra Jones

July 26, 2007

Laura and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you daily. May God bless you with peace knowing you're dad and grandpa are watching you now. I know we will never ever forget him....all my love, Sandy

kay pointon

July 25, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. We did not know Tommy but we kept him in our prayers. God's best to you and your family. Thursa sends her condolences.

Ken and Juanita Loschen

July 24, 2007

Although we did not know Mr. Martin our thoughts and prayes are with the family during this difficult time.

Dave Johnson

July 23, 2007

My prayers are with the Martin family at this time. I did not know Chief Deputy Martin but he was a Brother to me and the rest of Law Enforcement. May he rest in peace. I am retired from the Decatur Police Dept.

Jan Welker

July 22, 2007

The Welker family would like to express our sincere sympathy to the family of Tommy K. Martin. We would especially like to mention his son Daniel, who is our daughter's boyfriend and to say that we love him like a son. Our love and prayers go out to Suzanne and her family also.

Jeff Regan

July 21, 2007

I had the honor of knowing this great American. He mentored me as a young police officer and continued to be my friend as an ISP Trooper. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and our friends. I will never forget you TK...

Mike & Ann Robb

July 21, 2007

The thoughts and prayers of our entire family are with you during this difficult time... I had the privilege of being both a friend, and a co-worker, in both roles, Tommy had few equals.

Steve and Adele Shafer

July 21, 2007

Our hearts go out to Tommy's family, at this time of loss. The support from the surrounding area of Law Enforcement Officers keeps that wonderful smile on his face, as he makes his way to his final resting place. This area has been deeply saddened, but very thankful for such a kind-hearted "peace officer" who still watches over us. God Bless

JOHN GRABOW

July 21, 2007

There are no words to express my sorrow at Tommys passing. He was a mentor and friend to myself and many others. He will be sorely missed and always remembered.

Ellen Brantley

July 20, 2007

Although I did not know Tommy Martin I feel compelled to offer my condolences for your loss. There is a special place in heaven for our police officers and I'm sure he will be watching down on your family as you travel on. You can never lose the memories that you shared with him. Those will remain in your heart forever.

Dr. Bob and Judy Beasley

July 20, 2007

We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a fine example of a man with a mission. TK was a gentlemen, a friend and a man's man. We all will be at a loss and sorely miss this gaint of a man. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his family.

Norman and Carol Meeker

July 20, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your sorrow. Heaven now has a great guy there. He will be missed.

Karen Deaver

July 20, 2007

Such a tragedy for your family, from the family of a fellow officer in NY & former Illinosian. God bless your family during this terrible time.

barbara smith

July 20, 2007

We are both so sorry to hear of Tommy's death. He was a very special person. T.K. was Ed's supervisor, as C.S.I. He always spoke highly of Tommy, and respected him very much. I was so fortunate to have met Tommy through Ed. He was always so very nice to me. I'm so glad we went to his retirement party in Springfield.

nancy comp

July 20, 2007

i dont know mr martin, but i cried when i saw that he had passed .my thought are with his family at this trying time bless u all.

Cathy Leitch

July 20, 2007

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Linda Dunning

July 20, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. T.K. was one of the finest men and devoted police officer's that I know. I feel blessed that I knew T.K. May God comfort you all, at this time of sorrow.

TOM BATTERSHELL

July 20, 2007

YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS

FROM: TOM & LINDA

A BLOOM ABOVE & BEYOND

Mike & Pam Davis

July 20, 2007

Our deepest sympathy and prayers

Sandy Jones

July 20, 2007

I know TK is now in heaven with our loving God. I will never get over him and will miss him for the rest of my life! I love you TK!
Sandy

Deborah Quick

July 20, 2007

To the family of Tommy Martin, Although I didn't know Officer Martin personally, my heart has been touched by his willingness to "serve and protect" and the fact that he paid the ultimate price in doing so. You have my sympathy. May God help you to cope in this time of sorrow. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

Dorothy Feeler

July 20, 2007

Tommy Martin Family: My condolences to all of you. I went to school with Tommy and knew his Mom & Dad fairly well, worked with Mary Edna at the hospital here years ago. Tommy was a member of my church and I always liked talking to him prior to services. God be with all of you now and always.

Marcia Robertson

July 20, 2007

Like so many other ordinary citizens who have followed the story of Officer Martin's courage with first hope and then sadness, we offer our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. We also want to express our profound appreciation for the brave work that the conscientious members of law enforcement do for this society. We are so very sorry for your loss and the loss to all of us when a decent member of society is lost. We hope that love and memories will help sustain you.

Joyce Russell

July 20, 2007

With my deepest sympathy and prayers. T K will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Sincerely, Joyce Russell

Richard & Brenda Douglas

July 20, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

john Chapman

July 20, 2007

To Tommy Martin's family i sent my pray and thought of the great man he was and will always be in my eyes .

Chief Wayne Powell & Family

July 20, 2007

I would like to send our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Being a police officer and a Marine Reservist, I understand the way of life and know that the risk we take everyday is great. However, the rewards are well worth it. I know Chief Deputy Martin will be missed by his fellow officers and by the friends and family that he leaves behind. I leave you with this, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9. May God Bless You and Keep You.

John& Barbara Frank

July 20, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rev. Jeff, Jill, and Sarah Stahl

July 20, 2007

Ours prayers go out to Tommy's family during a difficult, heart-wretching time. We did not know Tommy personally but after hearing the news reports while visiting family back home(Champaign County), we have to admire the kind of man he was; a great man; to give his life to protect and serve the citizens of his community and county.

Tom and Tara Bingaman

July 20, 2007

With sympathy to the Martin family.

Susan Wies

July 20, 2007

I hope the family makes it through this challenging time not only through their love for one another but also through their respect for the excellent citizen Tommy was to this country. I send my respect and prayers from NC.

JOHN,JOANNE,CHELDYN CHRISAGIS

July 20, 2007

I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT TOMMY DIED,I LIVE IN CHAMPAIGN IL AND FOLLOWED THIS STORY,LET GOD PROVIDE HIS STRENGTH TO YOU IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME OF YOUR LIFE REMEMBER PRAYER IS VERY STRONG WHEN YOU CANT BE.MY FAMILYS PRAYERS ARE WIYH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW.

Danielle Schwengel

July 20, 2007

Laura and Family, Sorry to hear about your dad. I talked to you at the arraignment hearing, I was one of the people that was in the bank. Your family is in my prayers!

Danielle Schwengel

July 20, 2007

Laura and Family, Sorry to hear about your dad I spoke with you at the arraignment trial, I was one of the people that was in the bank. Your family is in my prayers!

The Truter Family

July 20, 2007

My Thoughts and Prayers are with Tommy Martins Family and Friends. What a Remarkable Man who Lived his Life To The Fullest. May You Find Peace in Remembering all the Great Memories Tommy Left You with.. Love To You All

Del & Elaine Angelo

July 20, 2007

Our prayers are with the family. Thank you for your service and community support.
God bless you.

Jean Burnett

July 20, 2007

With sympathy to the Martin family.

Jim Winters

July 20, 2007

Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. Sounds as if Tommy had a lot of positive influence on people during his lifetime. God bless.

gary malwick

July 20, 2007

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Russell & Alice Long

July 20, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

RICKY BERG

July 20, 2007

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS: CHAPLIN FOR RACERS FOR CHRIST, RICKY BERG

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