Garland L. Martin

Garland L. Martin November 11, 1918 - July 1, 2015 Garland L. Martin, 96, of Metamora, IL met his Lord and Savior at 12:58 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 surrounded by family members at Snyder Village, Metamora. He was born in Arlberg, AR on November 11, 1918, Armistice Day. Garland was one of six children born to Sid and Mary (Moody) Martin. On July 5, 1953, he married the love of his life, Pearl Gosney Schneider, in Peoria, IL. After being lovingly cared for by her oldest daughter and Garland, Pearl preceded him to heaven on February 1, 2007. Before he married, Garland worked in the Civilization Conservation Corps for two years in Idaho and Arkansas. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in the Aleutian Islands and in England during WWII as an anti-aircraft gunner. Garland and Pearl had many adventures together, beginning with Pearl bringing three children into their marriage; Juanema (Wendell) Hinesley of Fairfield Bay, AR; the late Gary (Zona) Schneider of Groveland, IL; and Will (Heather) Schneider of Hollister, CA. His new family taught Garland much about instant parenting, and loved each as his own. Connie (Rollin) Reeb of Germantown Hills, IL was later born into their family. Garland worked for 33 years as a machinist for Caterpillar, was a UAW Local 974 member, and retired on March 31, 1981. During their retirement years, Garland and Pearl spent 20 winters in Texas and loved camping in their motor home. They were members of the Caterpillar Campers Club and weekend camping was especially a delight when the grandchildren were with them. Garland and Pearl enjoyed serving the Lord together. In addition to his parents, wife, and son, Garland was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Clay Spangler; two sisters, Vesta Farris and Odell Guffey; and two brothers, Glen Martin and Afton Martin. Garland is survived by one sister, Albia Williams of Clinton, AR. Also, Garland is survived by seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren with two on the way, and three great-great-grandchildren. Grandpa Martin loved making the best pancakes ever for his grandkids and always had treats to share. Garland enjoyed the friendship and support of Minerva Reeb after their spouses went to heaven. While volunteering with Minerva at Snyder Village, Garland was named Volunteer of the Year several times. Minerva dedicated herself to faithfully keeping Garland company during the 3½ years of his failing health. Spending his final years in a nursing home was certainly not Garland's choice, but he had a way of joking with the staff and residents at Snyder Village right up to the end. He never met a stranger. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Whitford, Methodist Hospice, and the staff at Snyder Village for making Garland's stay as comfortable as possible. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Germantown Hills Baptist Church with Reverend Robert Fields officiating. Visitation will be Monday, July 6, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and one hour before the service, at the church. Burial will be in Hickory Point Cemetery, Metamora with military rites accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund at Germantown Hills Baptist Church, 304 Schmitt Lane, Germantown Hills, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.