Martin Baptist, Jr.

Martin Baptist, Jr. of Naples, FL, formerly of Springfield, IL, went to be with the Lord on March 6, 2015. Born in Springfield to Hazel and Martin, Sr., he was raised with his sisters Rose and Mary, who preceded him in death along with a toddler brother. A son, Brian, also preceded him in death on April 18, 2014.

He is survived by his wife, Linzy, daughters Kim Schwartz (husband Tom), Nancy Roncancio (husband Rico), Nikki Baptist-Kotner and Patty Varner; sons Michael Baptist, Tony Baptist (wife Niki), and John Baptist (wife Paula); eighteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Martin graduated from Feitshans High School and continued on to serve as a Marine earning the Korean Service Medal and United Nations Korea Medal.

He owned and operated Custom Construction, Real Estate and Property Management Companies. Martin was the past president of the Springfield Home Builders and Realtors Associations; past Chairman of the Parade of Homes committee; past Director of the Illinois Home Builders Association; served on many MLS committees and held several offices with the Association of Realtors; served as a board member for Helping Hands of Springfield, Inc., an organization for the homeless. He was active in Rotary for over 21 years. Martin was a member of Central Baptist Church and served on the Stewardship Committee. He was an avid golfer and was a member of Illini Country Club and Imperial Golf Club in Naples. He retired to Naples nine years ago to pursue his love of golf and continued to play until just recently.

Marty will be remembered as the kindest person in the world, a gentleman whose word was his bond. He always cared about the less fortunate, loved endlessly and forgave over and over. Those that were fortunate enough to know him know there will never be another with such capacity to live and love. He will live on forever in our hearts and memories.

Visitation will be held at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday March 12, 2015. Private burial services will be held on Friday. For those wishing to donate in Martin’s name, please consider the Alzheimer’s Association, and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.