Elzia Eugene “Gene” Martin

Mr. Martin was born October 1, 1931 in Boss to Clarence E. and Mabel E. (Hedrick) Martin. He married Joyce Jeanne Miller August 4, 1951. Mr. Martin died February 26, 2019 in Peoria, Illinois, at the age of 87 years.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Johnson, Forest City; daughters, Maxine Cook and Alvin Ritchey, Topeka; Norma Watson and husband, Denny, Collins, Iowa; and Janet Fields and husband, John, Emden; son, Gail Martin, Havana; grandchildren, Laura, Stephen, Krystal, Matthew, Tabitha, Kaylynn, Gavin and Garrett; great-grandchildren, Alaina, Noah, Ava, Ben, Rulie, Taylor, Darringer, Rugger, Sophia and Sawyer; brother, Johnny Martin and wife, Regina, Pekin; sisters, Joann Nichols, Missouri; Geraldine Clauson and husband, Ronnie, Pekin; and Glinda “Sissy” Towery and husband, Dave, South Pekin.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.

Mr. Martin was a member of the Manito Southern Baptist Church. He served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a staff sergeant after 22 ½ years of service. Mr. Martin became a Master Mason in Topeka, Kansas in 1957. He also served as Master at several other lodges and was a life member of the Roy L. King VFW Post #1232 in Pekin.