Gordon W. Martyn

Gordon William Martyn entered eternal rest with his Heavenly Father on March 14, 2012. Gordon was born in Oglesby, Illinois, September 4, 1919 to Elizabeth and George Martyn. Gordon, a WWII veteran, served in the U.S. Army in the Asiatic Pacific Theater from 1941-1946. Upon his return to the States, Gordon pursued a degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois, graduating in 1950. Gordon was employed as a civil engineer for E. J. and E. Railway in Joliet, Illinois for 32 years, retiring in 1982. He married Clara Mary Szymoviz October 3, 1953. They had one daughter, Sandra. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Bernice Stoutt. Five brothers also preceded Gordon: Lester of Athens, Ga., Russell, Emerson, James of Oglesby, Illinois, and Tom of Port St. Lucie, Fl. Gordon is survived by one brother, Harold (Abe)Martyn of Oglesby, Illinois as well as one sister, Jeannie (Martyn) Zens, also of Oglesby. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his wife of 59 years, Gordon is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Martyn) Pagonis (Jim) of Katy, Texas and two grandsons, Christopher James Pagonis and Jeffrey Martyn Pagonis.

A resident of Joliet, Illinois for more than fifty years, Gordon was a member of the Ingalls Park United Methodist Church where he served on various committees.

Gordon and Clara moved to Katy, Texas nearly four years ago to be near their daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons.

Upon moving to Katy, Gordon and Clara transferred their membership to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. A memorial service celebrating Gordon’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2012. The St. Peter’s Youth Choir, of which Gordon’s grandsons were active members, will sing some of Gordon’s favorite hymns. Memorials can be made to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Houston’s National Cemetery with a private graveside service next week.