John David Martin, Jr.

John was born July 23, 1947, in Chicago, the son of John David, Sr., and Eileen Toomey Martin. He has been a long-time resident of Springfield since 1960.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Martin; and sister, Jean Marie Martin.

A graduate of Griffin High School, John earned a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He served for one year in Vietnam with the U.S. Army in Infantry and Intelligence, earning a Bronze Star with Valor and a Combat Infantryman Badge for his service. John retired from a long career with the Illinois Department of Transportation. He was a member of the Church of the Little Flower.

His favorite pastimes included coaching his children’s sports teams, playing golf, being outdoors, and thoughtful conversation. John was an avid reader with a penchant for history. Every weekend like clockwork, he enjoyed driving his Jeep through the countryside while smoking cigars and listening to music.

Forever in our hearts, John will be lovingly missed. He is survived by two sons, J.D. Martin, III (Stacy) of Austin, TX and Michael W. (Amanda) Martin of Los Angeles, CA; one dearly beloved granddaughter, Blake Lennox; three brothers, Gary (Kathleen) of Crete, NE, Tim and Michael, both of Springfield; three sisters, Carol (Tom) Roeder of San Francisco, CA, Judy (Alan) Neustadter of Leesburg, VA, and Ellen Martin of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA; his sister-in-law, Mary Beth of Springfield; his former wife and close friend, Debbie Feldtmose; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank ¬John’s friends for their tireless assistance through his illness, and the hospice teams from Kindred Hospice for their compassionate care during John’s last weeks. They would also like to thank all of the family and friends for their support and prayers.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Graveside Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Camp Butler Cemetery with Rev. Allen Kemme officiating. The Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will perform military honors.

Please make donations in memory of John to the St. Martin de Porres Center, P.O. Box 2571, Springfield, IL 62708-2571.