Michael Eugene Martin

Michael Eugene Martin, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, on December 18, 2025, 59 years to the day after the death of his mother. His youngest daughter and wife were present holding his hands.

He was born on August 10, 1939, in Camargo, Illinois, to the late Lois Rebecca Martin. Weighing just five pounds at birth, he often joked that he was "born on a kitchen table," a humble beginning for a man whose presence was anything but small.

A true renaissance man, he built motels, owned and operated several businesses including We Care Nursing Facility and Po' Ol' Mike's Restaurant in Arcola, Illinois, and earned a reputation as a skilled chef after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America. A licensed pilot, he loved flying and embraced life with enthusiasm and independence. He also coached Little League and softball for his children's teams, served as a food critic for The Bradenton Herald, and was the head of the Council on Aging in Bradenton, Florida.

Mike, also known as Big Mike, Po' Ol' Mike, Pop, and Dear Old Dad, was a big man with a big voice and an even bigger personality. He knew how to throw a good party, loved a good Black Russian, made Italian beef sandwiches that were nothing short of legendary, and had a deep love for animals.

He attended Tuscola High School, where he was active in football, student council including serving as Class President, and numerous clubs. After moving to Arizona to live with his Uncle Carl, he graduated from Camelback High School in Phoenix in 1957.

He married Lynn Holmquist in Bradenton, Florida, in 1980. She was the love of his life, and they spent 45 years happily married, living in multiple states, including farming a 129-acre farm in Oakland, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Martin; daughters Michelle Franklin of Erie, Colorado, Deniece Marchiori (Duane Marchiori) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Rebecca DeAntonio (Jonny Burnett) of Rutherfordton, North Carolina; sons Michael Eugene Martin II of Smyrna, Tennessee, Marc Martin of Phoenix, Arizona, and Matt Martin (Kelly Martin) of Bradenton, Florida; and former son in law Michael DeAntonio. He is also survived by stepchildren Amy Davis of Hendersonville, North Carolina; Valerie Foley (JT Foley) of Bradenton, Florida; and Steve Munger (Elsa Munger) of Palmetto, Florida.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Chris Franklin, Patrick Franklin, Scott Baublitz, Heather Baublitz, Brent Baublitz, Jessica Martin, Dana Martin, Amber Martin, Michael Eugene Martin III, Lukas DeAntonio, Alicia Penk, Lauren Penk, Katelyn Weston, Danny Brock, Jayden Davis, Cory Munger, Kendyll Munger, Brett Munger, Andrew McGregor, Gary McGregor, Tyler McGregor, Michael Foley, and many great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his strong spirit, love of adventure, unforgettable belly laugh, and the warmth he showed to people and animals alike. He left a lasting impression on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

He is now welcomed into heaven to be with Jesus, reunited with his beloved mother, family, friends and pets who passed before him. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.