Gary L. Martin

Gary L. Martin, 75, of Orchardville, Illinois passed away Saturday, August 7, 2021, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.

Gary was born April 24, 1946, in Salem, Illinois to Stanley and Annabelle (Burkett) Martin. Gary married Sandra Barksdale on December 24, 1978, in Fairfield, Illinois.

Gary had worked at Caterpillar in Decatur, Illinois, and he also had worked as a welder and foreman for the Illinois Central Railroad from 1969-1992. Gary was on the Orchardville Fire Department for ten years. He had a love for horses and owned several. He loved showing halter horses.  In his younger years he pulled in local tractor pulls and also drag raced cars.  He also enjoyed watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke.  He had attended Brush Creek Community of Christ Church.

Gary is survived by his wife Sandra Martin of Orchardville, Illinois; one son Derrick Martin, wife Katie and their son Kai of Orchardville, Illinois; his daughter Amy Loss and husband Kerry of Fairfield, Illinois and their children Keegan and Gemma; and one great grandchild; stepdaughters Jennifer Miller and husband Mark of Wayne City, Sherry Simpson and husband Brent of  Orient, Illinois; one step son Michael Morrison and wife Denae; one sister- in- law Rita Colwell of Salem, Illinois; and niece Carrie Colwell of Salem, Illinois.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be held at a later date in Jacobs Chapel Cemetery at Orchardville, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to the family to help with medical expenses and will be accepted at the Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the family at  www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.