Norman Martin

Norman was born on January 15, 1922 in Banner, Illinois to Leonard and Eva Ditmar Martin. He married Emma White on September 27, 1942 in Palmyra, Missouri. After 61 wonderful years of marriage, Emma died on March 18, 2004. Among those surviving are three daughters, Marsha (Arnold) Fandel of Toluca, Norma (Steve) Hamm of Scheller, Illinois and Gina Wheeler of Washington; two sons, Monty (Pam) Martin of California and Eric (Shelly) Martin of Washington; one brother, Dean (Wanda) Martin of Glasford; 18 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by three brothers and a great granddaughter, Cami Garcia. Norman had been in law enforcement prior to his retirement, his last 19 years that he worked, he was the Chief of Police for the City of Washington. A veteran of World War II, he had served in Army Air Corps. At the age of 16, Norman played Semi-Pro Baseball with one of the Chicago Cubs farm teams. He played at shortstop and traveled all over Mexico and Central America playing ball. He had been a member of New Castle Bible Church in rural Mackinaw. Graveside services for Norman will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at New Castle Bible Church Cemetery with Pastor Ralph Bauer officiating. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Military Rites Team and the United States Air Force. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting the family in arrangements. Memorials may be made to either the Cancer Society or Methodist Hospice.