1946
John
2025
John Martin
April 13, 1946 — September 2, 2025
John Richard Martin, 79, of Rockford, Illinois, passed from this life to Eternity on September 2, 2025. At the time of his passing, he was given exceptional care by the staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois. John was born to Edgar and Lillie Martin on April 13 th , 1946 in Rockford, Illinois. He attended West High School where he participated in various sports including football and basketball. John married Charlyne Blatcher in 1963. They raised 3 children.
He is survived by his wife Charlyne and 3 children: Chris Martin, Michael Martin (Jennifer), and Brande Martin; grandchildren Adrienne Hanis-Martin and Alexander Hanis-Martin. Also, he leaves 3 siblings to cherish his memory: Jack Martin (Geri), David Martin, Edith Allen, sisters-in-law Gaye Martin, Geri Martin, Gwendolyn Morris, Carolyn Berryhill, brothers-in-law Charles Blatcher III, Robert Blatcher (Stephanie), Philip Blatcher, and many beloved nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews. His children remember him as a devoted and loving father who was always available to laugh or to teach. He loved deeply and family was his focus.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Martin, his mother, Lillie Martin, his brothers, Willie Martin, Nathaniel Martin, and sister-in-law Kathryn Terry (Charles).
He retired from Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere, Illinois after 30 years of service. Prior to his employment at Chrysler, he did specialty welding for several companies. John was a broadcast engineer for WREX-TV in the 1970s and served as cameraman for Charlyne's Comcast talk show Something to Talk About for over 15 years.
John was a quiet and patient man who gave most of his time and energy to his family. He loved being outdoors where he planted and nurtured over 80 trees, many bushes, shrubs and the grass. John was an expert on growing tomatoes. Every summer he was only going to plant 3 tomato plants. The small garden space ended up with at least 12 plants of several varieties.
He loved sports and was a loyal Chicago Bears fan regardless of their performance. John was a Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He participated in competitions in Chicago and taught the art to his students in Rockford, Illinois. He had skills in other forms of karate and would give demonstrations upon request. He built a large model train layout for the boys, but he was ultimately the Engineer. He enjoyed fishing and archery. He was a good cook. His chocolate pecan pie and chocolate chip cookies were frequently requested by family members. The Weber grill was his domain for BBQ chicken, with his special sauce and grilled turkey.
John's life was filled with love and laughter. He and his childhood friend, Greg Cook spent many years together. As young boys, they raised pigeons and the two of them took a trip to Chicago on the train to explore the Big City. Doc Ward was his football buddy. John was preceded in death by his father-in-law Charles Blatcher Jr. and 2 friends Bernard Warner and Wilbon Buchanan. They all loved Da Bears.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 PM, Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Fisher Chapel at the Rockford University Campus, 5050 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108. The family requests no flowers. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
He is survived by his wife Charlyne and 3 children: Chris Martin, Michael Martin (Jennifer), and Brande Martin; grandchildren Adrienne Hanis-Martin and Alexander Hanis-Martin. Also, he leaves 3 siblings to cherish his memory: Jack Martin (Geri), David Martin, Edith Allen, sisters-in-law Gaye Martin, Geri Martin, Gwendolyn Morris, Carolyn Berryhill, brothers-in-law Charles Blatcher III, Robert Blatcher (Stephanie), Philip Blatcher, and many beloved nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews. His children remember him as a devoted and loving father who was always available to laugh or to teach. He loved deeply and family was his focus.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Martin, his mother, Lillie Martin, his brothers, Willie Martin, Nathaniel Martin, and sister-in-law Kathryn Terry (Charles).
He retired from Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere, Illinois after 30 years of service. Prior to his employment at Chrysler, he did specialty welding for several companies. John was a broadcast engineer for WREX-TV in the 1970s and served as cameraman for Charlyne's Comcast talk show Something to Talk About for over 15 years.
John was a quiet and patient man who gave most of his time and energy to his family. He loved being outdoors where he planted and nurtured over 80 trees, many bushes, shrubs and the grass. John was an expert on growing tomatoes. Every summer he was only going to plant 3 tomato plants. The small garden space ended up with at least 12 plants of several varieties.
He loved sports and was a loyal Chicago Bears fan regardless of their performance. John was a Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He participated in competitions in Chicago and taught the art to his students in Rockford, Illinois. He had skills in other forms of karate and would give demonstrations upon request. He built a large model train layout for the boys, but he was ultimately the Engineer. He enjoyed fishing and archery. He was a good cook. His chocolate pecan pie and chocolate chip cookies were frequently requested by family members. The Weber grill was his domain for BBQ chicken, with his special sauce and grilled turkey.
John's life was filled with love and laughter. He and his childhood friend, Greg Cook spent many years together. As young boys, they raised pigeons and the two of them took a trip to Chicago on the train to explore the Big City. Doc Ward was his football buddy. John was preceded in death by his father-in-law Charles Blatcher Jr. and 2 friends Bernard Warner and Wilbon Buchanan. They all loved Da Bears.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 PM, Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Fisher Chapel at the Rockford University Campus, 5050 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108. The family requests no flowers. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
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