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Nicholas Martin Obituary

CARBONDALE -- Nicholas Benjamin Savage Martin, 16, passed away Friday, Sept. 9, 2011.

Nick was born Sept. 14, 1994, in Clayton, Mo. He was a junior at Carbondale Community High School and participated in the speech team and Scholar Bowl.

His friends were very dear to him. He was loved for his compassion, light-heartedness, sense of humor and unique perspective of the world.

Nick enjoyed music, movies, cooking, hiking and running, camping, reading and Tae Kwon Do. He loved to explore new places, and he loved his dogs, Charlie, Linus and Annabelle.

He will be profoundly missed by friends and family. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to all of Nick's wonderful teachers, both at Unity Point School and Carbondale Community High School.

The family thanks everyone who has already sent condolences.

Nick is survived by his father, Dr. Kurt Martin and Lori Martin of Carbondale; mother, Beth Savage and Rhett Ruecker of Seattle; brother and sister, Brandon Flamm and Natalie Martin, both of Carbondale; and loving grandparents, Ed and Trudy Eads, Earl and Trudy Savage, Roman and Nancy Martin, Joanne Martin and Ron and Bonnie Ruecker.

Private services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, with Bill Sasso officiating. A public reception will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Unitarian Fellowship, 105 N. Parrish Lane, in Carbondale.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to LifeSavers Training Corp. Cards may be sent to Dr. Kurt and Lori Martin, 897 Green Ridge Road, Carbondale, IL 62903; or Beth Savage and Rhett Ruecker, 416 19th Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112.

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Southern Illinoisan from Sep. 12 to Sep. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Martin

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Joni Ward

October 10, 2011

Dear Dr. Martin:
I'm so sorry that you have to go though so much pain and sadness. You have always been their for everyone when ever we needed you. I know I'm very very blessed to have you as my doctor. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Love,
Joni Ward

October 6, 2011

Beth, Kurt, Lori, Rhett,
You are very much in our thoughts and we are wishing you every available moment of comfort. Let us know if there is anything we can do. With much love and caring, Kathy Livingston and Paul Matalonis

Amy Jolley

September 30, 2011

Dear Beth:

Please know that many prayers abound for your comfort and peace. My thoughts are with you, take care.

James Martin

September 29, 2011

My Thoughts are with you Uncle Kurt and Aunt Lori

Zenetta and Sheridan Coleman

September 28, 2011

Dr. Martin and Family, words can not express our sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss. May God's grace and fond memories provide you strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time.

September 26, 2011

Kurt,
We just heard the devastating news. Our hearts are broken for you and your family and please know our prayers are with you for strength, healing, and peace, as well.

Tom & Linda Little, Decatur

Celia Farrell

September 26, 2011

Dr Martin
I didn't know Nicholas but my son was in science class with him fresh, soph, and junr years @ the high school. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I work @ the hospital in peds and I do see you from time to time. I can only say that I am deeply affected by this and hope that your family will find a way to get thru this. I'm not the praying type but, i will be in prayer for your family.

September 22, 2011

Dear Beth,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
Anne Lippert, Vancouver, B.C. Candada

Lisa Heaton

September 18, 2011

Dear Beth,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts of sympathy and prayers are with you at this time.

Sajal Lahiri

September 17, 2011

Dear Dr. Martin,
I was out of the country and just heard the very sad news. I hope you find all the strength to cope with the tragic loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Annette Niebelski (Adam's ex-wife)

September 17, 2011

Kurt, Beth and Rhett,
I haven't seen you guys in a long time, but I just heard the news. I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say because it's beyond words, all I can offer is to sit and listen.

September 16, 2011

Dr. Martin and family, I pray God will come to your side and aid in healing and understanding. We will remember you in prayer.
Dave and Darby Mathis, Pinckneyville, Il

Dylan Miller

September 15, 2011

Brandon, all of your UP friends are here for you when you need to talk or just hang out. We all love you. Dylan Miller, Brett, Ry, Beau, Dion, Jay, BrettB.

Tracy and John Bohland

September 15, 2011

Kurt and Lori,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family.

Linda Odle

September 15, 2011

Doc Martin ... my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

September 15, 2011

Dr. Martin and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Tim and Beth Bischoff

Bill Bollinger

September 15, 2011

OH MY GOD ! Dr Martin , I just found out of your terrible loss....words fail me now of what to say....I am tremendously sorry. I just today attended a funeral as the result of a tragic death...my heart is hurting for you and all the family members...GOD BLESS you all.

Charlsie Floyd

September 15, 2011

Beth,

There are no words that I can say that will make this more bearable for you, only time may take some of the pain away. I still picture Nick as a young boy from your time here at Lindenwood. I will pray for you and your family as you go through all the difficult days ahead.

Stefanie Malone

September 15, 2011

You and your family are in my thoughts during this very difficult time, Beth. Thinking of you and sending you wishes of peace.

Cindy Davis

September 15, 2011

Dear Dr. Martin and family,

Our deepest sympathy goes to you and yours during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy and Marty Davis, Hallie and Cash

Gary & Jennifer Hanley

September 14, 2011

Dr. Martin,
We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. So sorry to hear of your loss.

Danny and Donnella

September 14, 2011

Thinking of you and your family. Words can not express our sympathy.

Kelli Mouton

September 14, 2011

We are all thinking of you, and are very sorry for your loss.

Mike McFarlane

September 14, 2011

Kurt,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Will be thinking of you and your family.

Diana & Jim Barkley / Wilkins

September 14, 2011

Beth: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Our deepest condolences.

September 14, 2011

Dr. Martin, We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.
Danny, Julie & Alyson Gwaltney

Erin Lehman

September 14, 2011

I did not know Nick personally but I have a close relationship with those at Blacks Martial Arts. I am very sorry to hear of your loss and pray that God's peace will be with your family during this very difficult time.

Emma Jane and Dale Brown

September 14, 2011

Dr. Martin and family, May beautiful memories sustain you during this time of sorrow.

Kelly Ross

September 14, 2011

Dr. Martin, Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. So sorry to hear about your loss.
The Ross Family

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin and family,
We are praying for you all. May God's grace bring you comfort.
-Eric, Sarah, Joyanna, and Jaden

Crystal Phillips

September 13, 2011

Lori,Kurt,Brandon and Natalie, you have my deepest heart felt sympathy. I remember when I first met Nick and Brandon when they attended Kidz Klub at UP. He was a great, fun loving, happy kid and grew in to a fine young man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers and may you find comfort in all of your wonderful memories.

Sharon Varns (Ruby & Rachel's mom)

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin-Wanting you to know I am thinking about you and praying for you and your family during this time.

Rob Goodin

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin and family; Nick was a great kid to grow up with. He seemed to be someone that is there with a shining presence everyday, that everybody took for granted. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. He was a great kid, and I am proud to have called him my friend.

Lar Atkinson

September 13, 2011

Kurt, Lori, Beth and Rhett,
So sad and sorry, I don't have the words and I can't do anything to make it better, so just know I'm thinking of you all.

Steve & Luanne Stuebe

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin, please accept our deepest sympathy at the loss of your son. We only met him one time, we were at the same restaurant, but it was very apparant their was a very special bond between you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and we hope they will help you in the coming days.

Sheffer Family

September 13, 2011

Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Nicole & Keith Hudgens & Family

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin and Family: We are extremely saddened to hear of your unthinkable loss. We hope that knowing so many people appreciate and care for you will bring you some comfort.

Peggy Currie

September 13, 2011

Lori Jill, Brandon, Kurt, Natalie, and the rest of Nick's family. I wish there was a way to tell you how sorry we are for your loss, but there's no way to put it into words. Please know that we are thinking and praying for all of you. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Peggy, John, Ellie, Brett, and Jack Currie

September 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Randy and Carla Wood

September 13, 2011

Dr.Martin & family, Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time of such profound grief. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days to come.
Randy and Carla Wood

Mike Reilly

September 13, 2011

Beth, I can't think of anything more tragic than the loss of Nick. I only hope that the love we all feel for you and the memories you have of wonderful times gives you the strength and sense of peace you need.

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin and Family,

Our deepest sympathies to you. Although we never met Nick , our daughter, Natasha, had good things to say about Nick. He will be in our prayers.

Satya and Monyshka Harpalani

Angela (Forby) Knaub

September 13, 2011

I remember Nick from my time at Unity Point, working in Kidz Klub. He was a very bright and funny boy with a special spirit. May peace and love surround you during this time.

Donna Evitts

September 13, 2011

I cannot express in words, but want you to know about the thoughts and prayers I have for you. I remember Nick visiting me in the hospital after Kate was born and hearing stories in the years since. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and if we can do anything let us know.

Michele Forby

September 13, 2011

Lori and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Will keep you in our prayers. May God bring you peace and comfort in the coming days.

Michele & Katie Forby

Kevin Sullivan

September 13, 2011

Beth, Malinda and I will keep you, Nick and all the family in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Kevin and Malinda

Jo Montel

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin and family,
My deepest condolances to you and your family. I remember Nick as a young child sitting at the computer desk in the nurses station. He always had a smile on his face and his intelligence was very obvious.
May God wrap his arms around you at this very difficult time. The precious memories of his life will sustain you. Jo Montel

Tula Urdaz-White

September 13, 2011

Beth, Rhett and all of Nick's family – I am so sorry to hear about Nick. I was privileged to have met him on his visits to Seattle and I especially enjoyed his teenage delight in teasing his mom. His joy in experiencing and learning so many things was infectious. That he was a very special young man was clear to all who met him. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. My family and I sent our deepest condolences and know that you are cared for very deeply.

Darla Loftus

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin,

You, and your entire family have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your son. You are all in my prayers.

Sincerely,

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Dennis Melvin and family

Rick & Deana Smith

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin - we are so very sorry for your loss. Godspeed to you and your family.

Jim Benbow

September 13, 2011

Dear Beth, Kurt, Lori and Rhett, I'm so very sorry for your loss and you are all in my thoughts. I wish that you may find some comfort in this sad time.

Rami Abdo

September 13, 2011

Dear Kurt and Lori , you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give us all courage to remember our loved one with more joy and less sorrow.

Jeanna Salsman (Rilea)

September 13, 2011

Kurt, Lori, and Brandon,

I was so saddened to hear about your loss of sweet lil Nick. I can remember coming over and baby-sitting the boys. Nick was such a smart, fun, and amazing boy and from what I have read he grew up to be a fabulous young man! My thoughts and prayeers are with you all and the rest of the family during this very difficult time!

Brenda Rebman

September 13, 2011

Dr. Martin and family: My thoughts and prayers are with all in this time of sadness. Hold onto the good times you had and he will live on in your hearts. Brenda Rebman

Katy and Dan Katzenberger

September 13, 2011

Mary Beth,
I am thinking about you and your family and sending you peace at this time. Your son touched so many people, including me when I met him as a little boy in Carbondale. Of course, Anne loved him so much. We will think of you and Kurt and Rhett in the days ahead and wish you much strength.

Tom Connelley

September 13, 2011

Kurt, you and Lori are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. Marci and I hug our kids extra big in Nick's honor. Hope to see you soon.

Bonnie Rice

September 13, 2011

Dear Beth and family: Although I never met Nick in person, the joy in your face when you spoke of him told me what a wonderful and beloved son he was. My family sends its deepest sympathies to you and hopes you are able to hold those best memories of Nick close to you in this time of grief. In remembrance,

The McCords

September 13, 2011

Lori and Kurt, Nick will be deeply missed. We're so sorry for your loss and hope the wonderful memories of him will some day ease your pain.

Tommie Smith

September 13, 2011

To Dr. Martin and all Family-
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathies are with you and our deepest wish is for peace and love to restore your hearts.
Smith Graham Family

Cindy Encarnacion

September 13, 2011

Dear Beth,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Wish I could give you a hug. Take care of yourself.

Shelly Pierce

September 13, 2011

Kurt and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. Every bit of my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. If you need anything, I would be honored to be the recipient of the request. God bless.

September 13, 2011

Dr. Kurt and Lori:

We loved Nick very much. He was a very special person. We'll all miss his personality and smile.

Ron and Shirley Wagner

Davo

September 13, 2011

Kurt, Lori, Rhett, and Beth,
What can I say, except that I'll be there for you if you need me.

Deanne Funkhouser

September 13, 2011

Beth & Rhett,
My heart goes out to you both and to Nick. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting Nick once, he left a lasting impression on me. He was a lot of fun to be around and incredibly brilliant. I am so sorry. His spirit will always be ever close to you. Love and Peace to you all, Deanne Funkhouser

David Schremp

September 13, 2011

All of our family's prayers to you and yours.

Tessa Lashbrook

September 13, 2011

Nick was a great Friend. I wish he was here right now with us. He will be deeply missed. Dr. Martin and family im so sorry for your loss. The family is in my prayers.

The Brown's

September 13, 2011

Dear Dr. Martin & Family;
We are so saddened by the news of your dear son, Nicholas' death. We wish we could find words to ease your pain. Losing a child is one of the saddest life challenges and words that can give you true comfort are difficult to find. Do know that we are thinking of you during this time of loss. You have our heartfelt condolences and sympathy,
Chris, Kathy, Sam, Dax & Dalton

Amber Dover

September 13, 2011

Beth, I am very sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathies to all of Nick's family.

Benjamin Blessing

September 13, 2011

Nick was a great friend, he helped me with so much, he will be missed dearly, I wish you all the best in this hardest of times. Nick was such an amazing kid and he will live on in our hearts at CCHS and always as we go on with our lives. He was such an amazing guy.

September 13, 2011

Beth & Rhett,

Our hearts are breaking for you. Please know you are in our prayers.

Deb & Steve Paulus

September 13, 2011

MaryBeth and Rhett, We are holding you in our hearts as we remember Nicholas, the boy who gave the best hugs, had a huge smile, exuberance about so many subjects and who always brightened our days whenever he came to Seattle.
-Mary Montini and Michael Denning

Mike Scott

September 13, 2011

Nick was a fun and smart guy. We always enjoyed visiting with him. He is missed, and will be missed for a long time to come. We send our condolences to all of Nick's family and friends.
-Mike and Christina

david and carrie schultheis

September 12, 2011

Dr Martin & family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Tina Reichert

September 12, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Sharon and Tina Reichert

Russ Hitzemann

September 12, 2011

Beth and Rhett, I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that you all are in my prayers.

Michael and Casheena Stephens

September 12, 2011

Dr. Martin and family,
We send our sincerest deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope the love and care you have shown to so many throughout the years would be graciously reciprocated during such a difficult time. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Lonnie, Beth and Zach Rogers

September 12, 2011

Kurt, Lori, Brandon and Natalie,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Kelly Jackson

September 12, 2011

Dr. Martin and Family, you were an awesome family physician when we moved back to C'Dale 10 years ago...you took good care of my Nicholas and Lia, and we remember you speaking of your Nicholas so fondly. Our hearts hurt for your loss, and we send our most sorrowful condolences here. We will also lift your names in prayer for strength and healing. May God bless you all... Kelly, Nicholas, and Lia Jackson --Homewood, IL

Faith Ann Crews

September 12, 2011

Dr Martin and Family, Heath and I are so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thought and Prayers. Heath and Faith Ann Crews.

Amy Reeves

September 12, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. I was blessed to have been Nick's kindergarten teacher at Unity Point School and I still remember his quest for knowledge. My heart goes out to you and to all of Nick's friends.

Connie & Bob Davis

September 12, 2011

Dr. Martin and Family,
There are no words to take away the pain that you all feel. Just savor the wonderful memories that will flood you daily of Nick and his antics. I have a sweet memory of being hit full force with silly string and water guns straight in the face by him in the Marion office when he was 5yrs old. Love and prayers for you all at this most difficult time.

Beth Britton

September 12, 2011

Kurt & Lori,
We are so very sorry for your loss and are praying for you all. May the love of your family and friends bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. God bless!
Jim, Beth, Maddy and Kile Britton

Karen McNeely McMinn

September 12, 2011

Sending my condolences to the Martin family. Only know Nicholas' Dad thru the physician aspect at the clinic but wanted you to know that this Christian heart mourns with you at this time. He sounds like a person I would have loved to of met one day and I'm so sorry our community has lost this precious soul. Days will be mournful but brighter days of unknown are ahead. Keep your faith and keep his legacy in your hearts, souls, and minds and keep on keeping on in what God has instore for all of you on this earth. God knows our hearts. Psalms 23, John 3:16 Prayers and Hugs

Murdale Baptist Member and local
Senior Citizen Caretaker

Dan and Holly Ryder

September 12, 2011

Dr. Martin and family~ We are so sorry for your loss. We pray for the peace of Christ for you and your family during this time.

Sharon Simons

September 12, 2011

Dr Martin and family, Sending my condolences to all of you during this time of loss with your wonderful son of high regards as mentioned. Prayers and hugs to all of you at this time.

Donna Heern

September 12, 2011

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Reenie Scott

September 12, 2011

Beth, Rhett, Kurt and Lori -

May you all be embraced by the deepest love and compassion of your family and friends – may the love we all shared for Nick and he with all of you be a wellspring of unending comfort for you all, now and always.

Heather Greer

September 12, 2011

My family and I knew Nick from Tae Kwon Do, and we enjoyed the time we had to get to know him. He was a very sweet young man, and he will be missed by his instructors and the other students. He was a joy to have in class. Our prayers are with your family. - Mr. Andy Greer, and Heather, Elijah, Jared, and Josiah Greer

Dick Skalski

September 12, 2011

Beth - my heartfelt symphathies are with you, Rhett and all the family. I know what a special person he was and how much he meant to you and how proud he made you. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. I am so sorry.

Don Jennings

September 12, 2011

Dr. Martin and Family I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers at your time of need may God comfort you and your family at this difficult time. D. Jennings Carterville

Kim Clark

September 12, 2011

May God surround you and your family with His love and goodness to help you through this most difficult time. If there is anything we can do please call. Love and prayers,Browning and Kim, Nathan and Ashley and all the Clark kids

Al Wiman

September 12, 2011

Beth:

Wish I could take away all the pain. Just wanted you to know how much your loss means to all of us who've worked with you and met your son.

Peace & Love!

Sharolyn Atwood

September 12, 2011

So sorry for the loss of your son. What a shock to hear of his death. Thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

Anna Rhodes

September 12, 2011

Beth, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving me the chance to meet Nick. I will remember his confidence, intelligence, and kindness.

Jennifer, Travis, Dylan and Matthew Rudolph

September 12, 2011

Dr. Martin and Family,
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Fatima Khan

September 12, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are for Nick and his family. Nick was the smartest person I have ever met, and the smartest person I will ever meet. Rest in peace.

Salle Certo & Kelly Kilpatrick

September 12, 2011

Nick - such a beautiful soul! The world will miss you. Blessings to all family and friends - let us celebrate his life for he enriched us all.

Beth we are with you in thought and spirit.

With love and deep sadness - Salle and Kelly

Chris Roman

September 12, 2011

Dear Beth and Rhett,
I'm heartbroken to learn of your loss of Nick. I remember him as vibrant, charismatic, super smart and mischievous. His bright light left a very strong impression on me. Thinking of you both in this hard time.

September 12, 2011

Beth - so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Huber, SLSC

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