Cary Martin

Cary Martin, 43, of Stilwell, Kan., passed away at his home on April 25, 2008. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, Kan. An additional service and burial will be held in his hometown of Morton, Ill., on Friday at noon. Cary spent his childhood in Morton, Ill. He graduated from Morton High School in 1983, where he played varsity basketball and was on the track team. In 1987, Cary graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Computer Science. After college, Cary worked for various computer companies in Chicago before becoming one of the first 10 employees of Knightsbridge Solutions LLC. For 10 years he served as an instrumental manager and helped the company grow to over 800 employees. Most recently with Hewlett Packard, Cary was a worldwide manager with the Information Management Practice. He was a cherished co-worker by all who had the pleasure of working with him. Cary received many awards throughout his distinguished career. He used those same skills volunteering with the neighborhood homes association. In his spare time, Cary was a creative remodeler. He was known as the "Tim Allen of Stilwell," always a project in the works and one step ahead of every contractor. He loved vacationing with his friends and family in the Ozarks and was an awesome barefoot water-skier. He was a kid at heart, passionately playing basketball and water sports with his son Austin, shooting off the potato launcher and riding the golf cart through the neighborhood. Cary was a dedicated family man who loved entertaining and attending concerts with his wife Tamara but most of all snuggling with his daughter, Savannah.  Survivors include: his wife Tamara (Lawder) Martin; children Austin and Savannah; his parents Arlan and Lyla Martin; his brothers Craig and Brent Martin; nieces Brittany and Alee; nephews Branden and Jacob, and new grand-niece Aviana.   A  never-smoker, Cary passionately battled lung cancer, motivating others to address their own health and nutrition. Cary participated in the Treads and Threads fundraiser for cancer treatment at the KU Med Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to "Treads and Threads," University of Kansas Cancer Center, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 302, Westwood, KS 66205. Cary will be deeply missed. Many were surprised he died so young considering he was always the last to leave the party. Arrangements are by the McGilley State Line Chapel, (816) 942-6180.