Wallace "Wally" H. Martin

Wallace "Wally" Harvey Martin, 72, of Peoria passed away at 4:43 a.m. on Monday, August 2, 2010, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. He was born December 4, 1937, in Champaign, Illinois to Willis J. and Evelyn (Caraway) Martin. He married Barbara Melland on October 8, 1988 in Peoria. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Lois Martin; one brother, Phillip Martin; and a son-in-law, Mark Stevens. Surviving are his wife, Barbara Martin of Peoria; five children: Lorrie Stevens of Edgington, Illinois, Lisa (Thomas J.) Blank of Peoria, Mike (Kelly Schott) Martin of Houston, Texas, Mitch (Erin) Martin of Eldridge, Iowa, and Matt (Jill) Martin of Edwardsville, Illinois; twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Judith Martin of Jacksonville, Florida; one niece; one nephew; and his beloved dog, "Precious." He worked as a truck driver for Federal Warehouse and several area businesses throughout the years and worked last as a school bus driver for District 150. Wally always enjoyed spending time with family; cooking for his wife, Barbara; fishing with his children and grandchildren; and playing his guitar. Wally was an avid sports fan, always cheering for his Chicago Bears and Cubs. He will be fondly remembered by his many friends and for his great gift of telling stories. Cremation rites will be accorded, and a memorial service will be held on thursday, August 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the services at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Please visit Wally's life story at www.woolseywilton.com.