Timothy Martin

Timothy Warren Martin, 50 years young, was taken in peace by our Lord from the Saint Francis Medical Center Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, in the arms of family and friends, who stood by his side, just as he had time and again for them.

He was born in Los Angeles on Feb. 6, 1959, the second of three sons to Julayne and Robert Martin.

The Martin family later moved to Yuma, Ariz., where Tim grew up with his brothers and graduated from Yuma High School in 1977. He subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army and served our country for two years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1981.

Life took Tim across the country to Cape Girardeau, where he would make his permanent home and meet the love of his life, Sheila Bettag, while attending First Assembly of God Church. On May 21, 1988, Sheila and Tim joined hands in marriage at Denis Scivally Park in Cape Girardeau. They vowed love and life to one another for better or for worse, in front of God and loved ones, and then lived those vows for each other every day of the 21 years with which they were blessed. Tim fathered three adoring children and made a family whole.

An automotive mechanic by trade, Tim devoted 20 years of his life to Auto Tire and Parts in Cape Girardeau, where he will be remembered not only as a dedicated and tireless service professional, but as a friend. Most recently Tim was employed by T3 Energy Services as a diesel mechanic based in Rock Springs, Wyo. The distance between himself and his family was a struggle for all, but a necessary sacrifice he made without complaint until his recent return home.

Tim Martin, husband, father, pa pa, son and friend will be painfully missed by those fortunate enough to have been touched by the light of his life and love. He will be fondly remembered as a man who had a remarkable way of giving all he had to give, whether on the job, with his family, on the basketball court or in the backyard with the dogs. Each day was both a blessing and a new beginning that he never took for granted. Even in the toughest of times he always had a smile, a joke and silly prank that made the darkness a little brighter.

He attended Mount Auburn Christian Church.

Survivors include his loving wife, Sheila Martin of Jackson; three devoted children, Rebecca Fehr of Cape Girardeau, Rachel Martin-Harrell of Jackson and Andrew Martin of Leeton, Mo.; his mom and dad, Julayne and Robert Martin of Yuma; two brothers, Michael Martin of Rock Springs, Wyo., and Scott Martin of Yuma; seven grandchildren who will miss their playmate and partner in crime, Zachary, Emily, Blake and Reagan Fehr of Cape Girardeau, Jada Martin-Harrell and Mae Belle Harrell of Jackson and Ty Martin of Oak Ridge.

He was preceded in death by his granny, Evelyn Horton, and grandpa, Byron Horton.

Friends may call Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Dan Thompson officiating.

Burial will be at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri or Teen Challenge International, Mid-America.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.