Joshaway Martin

On February 16, 1936, Joshaway Martin was born in Alexander City, Alabama, the third son of Lenora and Palmon Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Clarence and Minuel Martin. Joshaway attended the local elementary and high schools in Alexander City, graduating in 1954.

Shortly after graduation, Joshaway enlisted in the military. He was en route to Korea when his ship received word that the war had ended. Consequently, he was stationed at the Panama Canal, where he served with distinction until he was honorably discharged in September 1956.

On August 6, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Fannie Wyckoff. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Patrice and Pamela, and twin sons who, though they did not survive, remained forever in their hearts. A gifted mechanic by nature, Joshaway turned his passion for cars into a career, attending both Tuskegee Institute and Wenonah Trade School to earn his certification in automotive mechanics.

In 1962, Joshaway moved his family to Chicago, Illinois, where he and his brother Minuel opened their own automotive shop. He later joined the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), where he dedicated many years of hard work until his retirement in March 1998.

Retirement allowed Joshaway to fully immerse himself in his favorite pastime: fishing. He spent countless hours on the water with his two closest friends, Albert Thornton and Calvin Richardson, whom he loved like sons.

After many years of living courageously with heart disease, Joshaway was called home to rest on Monday, March 30, 2026. In addition to a host of friends and chosen family, he leaves to cherish his memory his wife of nearly 70 years, Fannie Martin; two daughters, Patrice Moore (Danny-deceased) and Pamela (Derone) Tate; two granddaughters, Courtney (Rico) Hallman and Stephanie (Matthew) Balow; and four great-grandchildren: Lenora and Amare Houston, and Danni and Sammi Balow, all of Illinois. He is also survived by his nephews, Willie Carl (Leslie - deceased) Martin and Tracy (Darlene) Martin of Alabama, and Byron (Vivian) Bridges of Texas; and his nieces, LaSandra Martin of South Carolina and Monica Bridges of Texas

Morning Visitation will be held at Orland Funeral Home, 9900 W. 143rd St, Orland Park, IL 60462 on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at Orland Funeral Home from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm.