Russell W. Martin

Russell was born September 27, 1938, in Carbondale, IL, the son of Glenn “Abe” and Elise French Martin. He married Sara “Sally” Hoye on June 14, 1959, in Carbondale.

Russell graduated from Carbondale Community High School in 1956 where he was inducted into the Carbondale Community High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Hall of Achievement. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1960. While at University of Illinois, he was a letterman in both football and baseball. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Russell was a Professional Engineer and was the founder of Martin Engineering Company in 1982 and was one of the founders of Panther Creek Country Club. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, American Business Club, Island Bay Yacht Club, Illini Country Club, and the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers where he received the Engineer of the Year Award. Russell was also a member of the University of Illinois IFund and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was a youth basketball and baseball coach. Russell enjoyed playing golf, boating with the Knox Knolls Motorboat Fleet, wintering in Naples, and was an avid Illini sports fan. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Russell is survived by his wife, Sally Martin of Springfield; children, Philip G. (companion, Kristi) Martin of Springfield, Sara (husband, Jeffrey) Berkbigler of Edwardsville, and David R. (wife, Bobbie) Martin of Springfield; grandchildren, Jessica (husband, Wiley) Lavigne of Shreveport, LA, Matthew Martin of St. Louis, MO, Anna (husband, Nick) Sharp of Nashville, TN, Jackson Berkbigler of Fairhope, AL, Grant Berkbigler of Edwardsville, and Tyler Berkbigler of Edwardsville; brother, Kenneth (wife, Karen) Martin of Georgetown, TX; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Private Family Ceremonies will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the U of I IFund (in memory of Russ Martin), 1700 S. 4th St., Champaign, IL 61820 or the Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.