John "Big John" Martin Jr

John Carlysle Martin Jr, known as “Big John” of Rantoul, passed away at Goldwater Care Facility in Gibson City on February 26, 2025. Born in Paris, IL, to parents John Carlysle Martin Sr and Wilma Jean Martin (Plew) on January 12, 1950. He has three siblings: Sharon (Archie) McCarty of Minnesota, Gloria (Michael) Humphrey of Champaign, Illinois, and Dan (Angie) Martin of Montana. 

John married Francine Martin (Marche) on October 16, 1970, in Thomasboro, IL. She preceded him in death. Together, they had one son, John Carlysle Martin III of Iowa, and four grandchildren, Collin Collier of Champaign, Victoria Martin of Iowa, Patrick Martin of Clinton, and Nicholas Martin of Iowa. He recently became a great-grandfather to Lee Carlysle Meier of Iowa. 

John joined the Air Force in 1971, where he was a teleswitch repairman until he was honorably discharged. After leaving the military, John was a painting contractor at Country Fair Apartments for 40 years. There, he worked with many friends and family. Big John loved spending the evenings with his family and his white German Shepherd, Kodak, watching movies. He collected many figurines, paintings, and pictures of eagles in his spare time. He knew the value of a good laugh. His laughter will be missed by many. 

There will be a private burial at Camp Butler at a later time.

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