Rodger MARTIN

MARTIN, Rodger Lane 77, of South Vienna, passed on September 6, 2017 at home with family by his side. He was born October 6, 1939 in Rockford, IL to Garnet and Lane Martin. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Joan (Parizzi) Martin, son Lane, daughter Erin and her husband Bradley Busch, his nephews and nieces Tom (Ruth) Gaston, Dawn (Dave) Ingelse, Jill (Ken) Beeman, Tim Gaston, Joseph Cravero, Anthony (Ann) Cravero, John (Jessica) Cravero, and many great nieces and nephews, other family members and close friends. Rodger attended Northern Illinois University on a tennis scholarship and was all-state in high school. Rodger served as a director of the JayCees, was a former Elks and Kiwanis member, and was proud to be part of Big Brothers of America where he mentored and remains close to Greg Gappa. Rodger was an animal lover, an avid fan of Pro Tennis, the Chicago Bears and The World Champion Cubs. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and the outdoors. He supported South Vienna and the Northeastern community and voted yes for every school levy. He enjoyed numerous fishing and skiing trips to Canada and was a ski equipment and fashion model. Yes, that's right, fashion model. Rodger was an inventor who held two U.S. Patents, owned a business and worked in sales for the majority of his life. He retired from Century Equipment in 2006. Rodger was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Louise. Rodger received wonderful care from The Springfield Regional Cancer Center. Memorial donations can be made in his name to them at 148 West North Street Springfield 45504. Viewing will be at the JACKSON LYTLE & LEWIS LIFE CELEBRATION CENTER on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 2-4p.m. with service beginning at 4p.m. Condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com