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Nov 27th, 1925 - May 21st, 2016Funeral: 11 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery
Dr. Harold Lee Martin passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at his home in Flora, Illinois, surrounded by his family, Harry’s angels, and loyal dog Coco. He was 90 years old.
Harold was born in Mulkeytown, IL, (Franklin County) on November 27, 1925, the son of Oscar and Pearl Martin and younger brother of Lawrence. He grew up in Christopher on his family farm. He went to a one room school house and graduated high school at the age of 16, and although his parents wanted him to become the local postmaster, he had different dreams and went on to college at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale from 1942-1944. During his college years he excelled in school and played tennis, which later in life would become a true family passion that he passed along to his children. Also at this time he began his working career as mail clerk for the Kroger stores and eventually held more senior positions there as he gained respect from management.
Martin went on to Northwestern University Dental School in January 1945–June of 1946; he was granted leave of absence because of financial hardship; and returned in June 1953 graduating in September 1955 with a D.D.S. Degree. During dental school he was a member of the Rho Chapter, Xi Psi Psi; serving as Vice President of the Senior Class in 1955. During his absence from Dental School, he moved to California to work as a Medical Claims Insurance Investigator for California Reporting Service as well eventually Director of Sales. Through the course of these years he had begun a ten-year courtship with the love of his life, Dorothea Gahan. At her urging, he returned to Northwestern Dental School to complete his dental degree.
Upon completion of his dental degree he worked in a dental practice in Evanston. He was a Captain in the Army stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and served as Chief of the Dental Clinic there and later was recruited for the U.S. Navy as Director of the Medical Clinic.
In 1958 he married Dorothea Gahan. They settled in Flora where Dr. Martin opened his Family Dental practice in town. They had three children, Harold Lee II, Linda, and Dorlisa. Family was the center of Martin’s life, he enjoyed watching his children excel and follow their passions. He was fond of saying “you are all very special people, be who you are.” His career was also a major priority. For several years, Dr. Martin worked to serve the Flora community in his dental practice. Locally, Martin was a member of the First United Methodist Church, served on the Board of the First National Bank, the Flora High School Board, Clay County Hospital Board (serving five years as Chairman), Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge, Past President of the Flora Country Club, member of the American Legion and a Charter Member of the Clay County Historical Society.
Over the course of his dental career he went through the chairs of the Illinois State Dental Society and served as its President in 1979/80. He was a Past President of the Wabash River Dental Society, Member of the American Dental Association, Fellow, International College of Dentists and members of several Dental Societies including Chicago Dental Society. In addition to running his dental practice, Dr. Martin was the Director of the Dental Auxiliary Program at Olney Central College.
Martin earned several awards in the field of Dentistry, chief among them was the Man of the Year award by the Paul Klopper Memorial Foundation. In 1981, Dr. Martin was recruited to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Dental Service in Chicago, which later became Delta Dental Plan of Illinois, a Dental Insurance Company. Martin served in this capacity for 18 years. During this time Dr. Martin, changed his dental practice to Martin Dental Associates and hired associate dentists to continue to serve the Flora Community and surrounding counties. His local dental practice has provided over 52 years of service to the Clay County area.
Dr. Harold L. Martin truly had a technicolor career–from the farm, to mail clerk, insurance investigator, military career, family dentist, to CEO–with many twists and turns along the way. From all these challenges he gained life experiences that he passed along to all who had the pleasure to be in his company. However, his most important and meaningful role in life was being a loving husband, father and grandfather. His family meant everything to him.
Harold Lee Martin was a 12-year colon cancer survivor. He was one of the lucky ones. He was truly a fighter his entire life. He said “Life comes at you in bunches: the good, the bad, usually all at once, it is messy sometimes, and you have to grab it all up with gusto and keep moving forward.” He has shared so much with everyone during his life’s journey: His love of family, ALWAYS putting family first, the game of tennis, New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago, the Chicago Bulls, Sandestin Beach Resort, Northwestern Wildcats, music of all types—but especially Frank Sinatra, the joy of cooking and love of fabulous food, great sense of fashion, good humor, unwavering optimism, passion for dentistry and compassion towards all people. He will be missed by his family and friends—but remembered for the way he embraced life, took risks and impacted all those he touched.
Harold was preceded in death by his cherished wife Dorothea, beloved son Harold Lee Martin, II, brother, parents and nephews. He is survived by his devoted daughters and loyal sons-in-law Linda Martin Ray and husband Kevin of Springfield, Dorlisa Martin Good and husband David of Downers Grove; loving daughter-in-law Cindy Martin of Hinsdale; and seven amazing grandchildren, Michael Ray, Taylor Ray, Harold Martin, III, Paxton Ray, Donny Martin, Lindsey Good, and Jenna Good. He is also survived by his nephew James Martin of Springfield, a niece Patty Martin Leubke of Carbondale, and great nieces and a great nephew.
A funeral service for Dr. Harold L. Martin will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders or Frog Island Tennis Association, and these will be accepted at the funeral home.
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Dorlisa and Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May God grant peace and comfort during this time of great loss. May his soul rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss!
Dr. Martin was such a wonderful soul that I truly loved from the moment I met him. I can say he had such a fond love for his beautiful wife Dorothea, and all of their wonderful children, and caregivers. He cherished his family more than anything. I have never met a more humble yet sincere man than Dr. Martin. Thank you for all the memories...
Linda and Dorlisa....family....my heart goes out to each of you. I know how it feels to not have either parent left. What a great man he was and now he and your wonderful mother are together along with Harold and Richie. Love you
Prayers to Linda and Dorlisa, you have both been through so much.
Huge hugs and prayers.... 🙏🏻
Dear Linda and Dorlisa, Our sympathies are with you and your families at this time.
So sorry for your loss.
Prayers are with the family. So sorry for your loss
Sending love to all of you. The stories your dad shared of his love for your mother and the wonderful life they had together is a wonderful legacy you all have to share. They were so proud of all of you. So proud to have known your dad. He, your mom and Harold are together now... The tall trees are falling...
Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and Dorlisa and their families. RIP Dr. Martin
So sorry for your loss. I loved Richey and your mom and dad they were great people if you need anything let me know.
so very sorry for your loss ..
There will never be as welcoming a host as Dr. Martin. The door to his home was always open with wonderful food, stories, laughter and encouragement. Flora has lost a class act and I will miss him.
Linda and Dorlisa my thoughts are with you . Dr Martin was a great man and loved by all who knew him. Hugs and prayers to you and your families I love you !!!! Susan
Very Sorry for you loss. We enjoyed working and visiting Dr. Martin, he was very special man.
Uncle Harry....you are missed by all who know you! You, Dorothea and your family have been such a blessing in my life. It's difficult to put into words how much I love and respect you all and always will. Rest in peace my dear friend!
Thinking of you, Linda and Dorlisa, what a wonderful father you shared. May you find comfort in the great love he always had for his family, and now be blessed with God's comfort in the following years.
Linda and Dorlissa, my thoughts and prayers to you as you mourn your dear father.
Dorlisa - so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He sounds like he was a man to look up to
I worked at Martin Dental for 6 years. Dr. Martin was always very kind to me and I truly appreciated him taking a chance on hiring a 15 year old girl! :) I have wonderful memories of Christmas Parties at his home and pool parties in the summer. Thanks for the hospitality Martin Family. He will be missed.
Linda and family, Dorlisa and family, Cindy and family, our hearts and prayers are with you. We thought your dad and Grandpa is a wonderful man. ( I say is not was, because he is forever with you). We are so sorry .❤
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time.
Prayers to you and your family during this sad time.
Dr. Martin - As part of your extended family I remember you my entire life. From many days sitting in your dental chair to family functions, Etc. I cherished the void in my life you always gave me after my parent's passing. I especially enjoyed our many phone conversations we had where ever I was in the world. Always words of encouragement and and always on top form with conversation about anything. You have raised an incredible family who will hold your torch high. You are in heaven enjoying dancing with Dorothea and having some tennis games with Harold Lee. Once again it is Purple Martin time!
I work to Delta Dental for many years in some of the best memories I have are from Christmas parties. rest in peace dr. Martin
He was a great man and was true to his profession. He wrote a letter of recommendation for me in the dental field and will never forget his passion.
You and your family are in our hearts and minds. Harry will be missed by many. He was always the one to take charge and make things happen. He was there celebrating the good times… and holding hands and giving council during the tough times. You are very fortunate to have learned so many good things from him. Both Dorothea and Harry were great examples to have learned from. They both will be missed by family and friends. Pam & Jim Minton
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to Dr. Martin's family and friends.
Rest in peace, Dr Martin. Thank you for the opportunities.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family. Dr. Martin was my dentist growing up in Flora and he was always so kind and always me at ease so I never feared dental work. May he rest in peace.
Linda and Dorlissa, sorry to hear of your loss . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time of loss , your father was a very good man. I remember him taking a chance on me to do some construction repairs around the house for him and your mom . This was back in 1984-85 I was thankful and blessed to have had this opportunity, your father was able to show me how to be a good dad and loving husband not by preaching to me ,but by living it daily. Harry was mentoring me and wasn't even aware of it at the time. A few years ago I stopped by the house and shared this story and other fond memories I had from #19 Holly Lane with your dad , we both cried a few tears of joy and thankfulness . I'll never forget your father, he is one man who has left a lasting legacy in me and my family. I thank GOD for the opportunity to have known Harold Martin he truly was a friend full of courage and grace and always willing to help when needed. Blessings to his family.
What a wonderful man, what a beautiful life, what an enormous legacy! You must mourn but you must remember and be inspired by the joy that your father brought to his family and friends, and what he left to all--including us through you. Thinking of you and sending love,
Mrs. Martin and family I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Dr. Martin I remember spending many nights of slumber parties at your home.. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Harry was always kind and loving to my son's Ian and Tristan, as well as to me. I will always be thankful for all he did for his nephew, my late husband Rob. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Prayers to family and friends...Dr. Martin is a great person to had known
What we know about your father is that he raised an amazing daughter who is admired and loved by so many! So, we know he was special. We hold you in our hearts and hope that your grief is soon out-shined by wonderful memories. Deepest condolences and love, Bob and Susan
Dear Dorlisa, Please know that I am thinking of you and your family today and sending my deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad. Wishing you peace at this sad time and comfort in knowing that he and your Mom are together again forever. Most sincerely, Lisa
Our deepest sympathy, Dorlisa, for such a great loss. While we regret not knowing your father, we suspect we see his kindness mirrored in you and in your wonderful family. We are thinking of you at this sad time, and wish you peace and happy memories. Lisa and Randy
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
My deepest condolences to the Martin family. Dr. Martin was my dentist when I was a boy. I always remembered the "bird cards" that he would pass out at the end of the appointment. Cherished memories.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
