J. Graydon Martz

He is survived by his sons, Trent Lieber and Stephen Martz; his granddaughters, Lilly and Annika Lieber and Quinn and Claire Martz; and his extended family and many friends and colleagues.

Born April 23, 1956, the son of Vernon "Bud" Martz and Barbara T. Martz (née Tolley), he enjoyed a classic American childhood spending time with his parents riding horses, traveling across the country, and living in California, Arizona, Florida, and Colorado.

Gray received his education from Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, Colorado, followed by a B.S. in Geology from Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison. After graduation, he held various roles in oilfield operations throughout Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, after which he relocated his family to California and began a career in environmental consulting, which he ultimately built into WGR SW Inc. with his business partners.

He was highly gregarious, creating enduring friendships throughout the country. He spoke fondly of his time in Colorado, skiing and fly fishing with friends throughout the Rocky Mountains; he enjoyed deep-sea fishing, sailing, and flying with friends in California; he could often be found logging countless hours in his Piper Cherokee hopping around the country and down to Mexico.

Gray was known as "Uncle Gray" or "Papa Gray" by his family and grandchildren. It was well known that he loved to cook and spoil those around him with his wide-ranging culinary skills. He will be terribly missed by all.

Gray will be laid to rest beside his late wife, Michele, in the family plot in Hardin, Illinois, where his mother-in-law, Edith, and nephew Jackson also rest.

A celebration of life and memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to: Reach Out Students for Education, 568 Ponderosa Lane, Batchtown, Illinois 62006.