Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Dr. Harold L. Martin
Nov 27th, 1925 - May 21st, 2016Dr. 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.