Matt E. Martin

Matt E. Martin, age 85 of Pence, IN died at 7:45 CST on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at Hoopeston Community and Nursing Home. Matt was born on September 26, 1925 in Watseka, IL. He was the son of Daniel Lester (D.L.) and Lela Al (Woods) Martin. He married Vivian Cottingham on April 4, 1948 in Greenhill, IN and she survives. They had been married 62 years. He had two sons, Rex (Maureen) Martin of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Tony (Lynanne) Martin of Pence, IN. Matt was not one to bring attention to himself or his accomplishments but in his absence, we would like to do so. . . Matt graduated from Williamsport, Indiana High School in 1943. He immediately enlisted in service of his country by joining the United States Navy via the V12 program at Indiana State University. Shortly thereafter he was sent to the Pacific Island of Guam, spending much of his duty at a bomb depot. Later after returning from the war, Matt graduated from Purdue University where he was a Purdue Basketball and Football season ticket holder and a John Purdue Club member for at least 50 years. Matt also served his community as a Warren County councilman for many years. He served on several industry related boards including county Farm Bureau Co-Op, Ag Alumni Seed, Indiana Crop Improvement Association, and Public Varieties of Indiana. He was baptized in and attended the Pence Church of Christ for many years. Matt operated several successful enterprises over the years, including cattle, sheep, and hog production, farming and Martin Seed Company. Matt hardly ever complained nor spoke ill of others. He seemed to naturally see the best in the folks he met. He was a great example for his children and a good father. He is much loved and will be missed. Other survivors include 3 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Matt was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother, Dale Martin. Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Services will be there on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Charles B. Anderson officiating. Interment will be at Jordan Cemetery in Pence, IN with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Williamsport Post #259 or the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, 403 Wood St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2007.