Donald Martin

TAMMS, Ill. -- Donald E. Martin, 67, of Tamms died Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, at his home.

He was born June 17, 1943, in Mounds, Ill., to Walter B. and Emma Kaye Meredith Martin. He and Marilyn Stuart were married April 14, 1978.

Martin worked with Southern Illinois Electric Co-op in Dongola 25 years, and served as a police officer for Alexander County and Tamms 32 years. He also served as fire chief and on the board of directors for Tamms Volunteer Fire Department. Don was a member of Carpenters Union and Electrical Workers Union Local 702.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn of Tamms; three sons, Bradley (Ashley) Martin of Cape Girardeau, Robert Whitis of Texas, Jeffery Whitis of Tamms; a daughter, Kimberly (Jim) Chestney of Medora, Ill.; five grandsons; and four great-grandchildren.

Also best friends, Warren "Buddy" (Carol) Mitchell and John (Carolyn) Butcher of Tamms; a stepsister, Phyllis (Larry) Buckles of Villa Ridge, Ill.; three brothers, Steve Martin of Tamms, Walter (Cindi) Martin of Patterson, Mo., Ed (Barb) Martin of Herrin, Ill.; many other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Sherry Voight; and a son, Tony Whitis.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at Villa Ridge Union Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Larry Buckles officiating. Interment will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge.

Memorials may be made to Villa Ridge Union Church or charity of donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home and the church.

The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude to Lana Netherland and Wanda Gibson, both of Nashville, Tenn., for all their love and support during the past 17 months. You will never know how much you are appreciated.

To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.