Rev. Wayne S. Martin

Wayne was born in Decatur, IL on June 22, 1937 to W. Stanley and Elsie (Kurek) Martin. His parents and a brother, Bill Martin preceded him in death.

He spent the first 50 years of his life in Decatur, IL graduating from Millikin University in 1959 and then working for A.E. Staley Company in Decatur for 30 years, retiring in 1989 as Senior Vice President and General Manager. Wayne was active in many civic organizations including Board of Directors of Decatur Memorial Hospital, Board of directors for the Millikin Estate Trust, Board of Directors of Decatur Country Club, Board of Directors of International Jelly and Preserve Association, Board of Directors of the Cancer Society and the Milikin University Alumni Association. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur where he served as Chairman of many boards and teacher of Bible classes. Wayne was an avid golfer and sports fan, as well as a lifetime St. Louis Cardinal fan.

In 1989, Wayne enrolled in Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN to fulfill his lifetime dream of becoming a Lutheran pastor. He pastored five years at Our Savior Lutheran in Joliet, IL and four years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria, IL before retiring and moving to Springfield, IL in August of 2000. He served on the Board at Panther Creek Country Club and helped out at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman.

Wayne married Barbara Asmundson on June 13, 1959 in Calgary, Alberta. They were blessed with two children: Rev. Kevin (Bonnie) Martin who lives in Raleigh, NC, and Julie (Dan) Rayhill who live in Springfield, IL. He has four grandchildren: Dr. Lindsey Rayhill, Courtney Rayhill, Christopher Martin and Bethany Martin. Being a father and grandpa was on of Wayne’s greatest joys. He will be remembered for his warm smile and love of people.

The Martin family will greet family and friends from 5-8 pm Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL. Additional visitation will be from 10:00 until time of funeral services at 11:00 am Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL. Rev. Joshua T. Traxel and Rev. James Stuenkel will officiate. Burial will follow in Chatham Memorial Cemetery, Chatham, IL.

Those who wish may direct memorial contributions in his name to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL 62704 or a charity of choice.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Bisch Funeral Home West is honored to serve the Martin Family. 544-5424