Donald Gene Martin

donald martin

Donald Gene Martin, 89, of Bradford, Illinois passed away Monday, April 4, 2022, on his late daughter's birthday, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.

 He was born September 10, 1932 in Princeton, Illinois the son of Robert and Mary (Sullivan) Martin.  

 Gene married Nancy Alexander on September 10, 1955 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tiskilwa. She survives in Bradford.

 He is also survived by six children: Lucinda Jenkins of Campbellsville, Kentucky, Rhonda (Roy) Keller of Sarasota, Florida, Donald Martin, Jr. of Bradford, William Martin of Sarasota, Florida, Joseph (Karen) Martin of Englewood, Florida, and Linda (Dean) Bailey of Camp Grove, Illinois; 12 grandchildren: Carla Bearup, Jessica (Aaron) Ward, Krista (Rob) Albrecht, Dustin Martin, Corbin Martin, MaKayla Martin, Britnee (Mitchell) Spetsios, Kayla Martin, Shannon Martin, Erika Bailey, Christopher Bailey, and Nicholas Bailey; 5 great-grandchildren: Noah, Alivia, Blake, Audra, and Bryant; one sister, Ruth Ann Maybry of Missouri; and his special chihuahua, Cora.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Patricia Martin, two sons-in law: Richard Jenkins and Willie Martin, and one brother, Robert Martin, Jr. in infancy.

 Gene attended Bradford Schools before enlisting in the United States Navy.

 He was a truck driver throughout his life. He started his career helping his father at Martin and Son Trucking and eventually retiring from Bosch Trucking. After retiring from trucking he mowed many lawns in the Bradford area.

 Gene enjoyed listening to music, hanging out in his garage, and cruising the back roads with his dog, Cora.

 Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2022 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bradford with Father John Cyr, officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2022 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bradford. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bradford. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.

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  1. Load you will always be remembered for your quick wit and humor that you shared with all. Thank you for sharing and narrating the video for “The Best Rubber Tire End Loader Driver”. Tell all the legends hello! Rest In Peace.

  2. I think a lot of us in Bradford grew up with Gene Martin! He had a lot of energy &was quite the character! He reminded me a lot of my own dad… 1). Their names were both Donald Gene 2). They were both truckers 3). They loved their dogs 4). They were both hard workers! I didn’t realize this, but Gene & Nancy Martin were married within 2 days of my parents getting married and were both married for over 60 yrs!! I just want to let Nancy and the rest of the family know I am sorry that I cannot make it to his service… just know that my heart, thoughts, & prayers go out to their entire family… He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him… R.I.P. Donald!!!

  3. Gene was a long time neighbor of the Bill Real family.
    He mowed our lawn for many years and recently cruising with Cora always brought a smile to my face;)
    Happy Mom n I saw him at St John’s St Patrick Day dinner .The Martin family and I sat down n had a nice chat;)
    Keep trucking Gene
    Love and Peace Maureen


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