Bert “Bucky” Martin, 93, of Centralia passed away with his loving family surrounding him on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Fireside House in Centralia.
He was born on April 30, 1929, the son of Blanchard and Christina (Niepoetter) Martin in Glenridge, Marion County. He married Judith Ann Smith, two daughters were born of this union, and they later divorced. He married Mary Yardley, one daughter was born of this union, and they later divorced. He married Leona Eller on May 22, 1989, and she survives in Centralia.
Along with his wife of 32 years, Leona Martin, Bert is survived by his beloved family, children Ruth Ann Mashburn and significant other Ron Walker of Centralia, Toni Sharp and husband Frank of Patoka, and Jennifer Newman of Alma; stepchildren Brian Eller of Centralia, Darrell Eller and wife Debbie of Delaware, and Cheryl Eller of Central City; step-daughters-in-law Lola Eller of Glenridge, and Kathleen Eller of Patoka; sisters Ruby Miller of Centralia, and Mildred Fechtler of Henderson, Nevada; brother Henry Martin of Sandoval; 5 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; several step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Bert was preceded in death by his parents Blanchard and Christina Martin; his sister Catherine Seats; and his stepsons Dennis Eller, and Kerry Eller; and step-grandson Brannon Eller.
Bert was respected as a good protector and provider for his family. He knew the value of hard work and determination. He was a loyal employee for the railroad, working in the Illinois Central car shops, and he was a driller in the oilfields. He liked to stay active and was a natural athlete, playing baseball and shooting pool. He was the Chicago Cubs biggest fan who loved the game of baseball and always cheered on his favorite team. Bert enjoyed going to the bowling alley and was quite the bowler. He liked to fish and loved a good fish fry. Bert grew bountiful gardens and always shared what he had with family and friends. He took many camping trips appreciating the time spent in nature. He was a bird watcher and enjoyed seeing the birds outside. Bert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Friends are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Bert’s honor to the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences and memories of Bert may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
