Donald H. Martin

Donald H. Martin, 65 of Pekin, passed away at 6:26 pm Saturday, March 1, 2008 at OSF St. Francis Hospital. Don was born February 7, 1943 in Pekin to Donald Connett and Hildred Johnson Martin.He married Veva P. Oats January 30, 1965 in Pekin. Surviving are his wife Veva; two sons, Wesley C. Martin of Fort Wayne, IN, and Bradley S. (Tuk) Martin of Omaha, NE; step father William C. Long III of Pekin; father-in-law, Bill Martin of Pekin; brother-in-law Larry (Colleen) Oats; and one grandchild, Tanner Martin of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents. Don was a professional with 30 years of Design Engineering, Managing, Manufacturing Design and Planning and Training experience. He graduated from Bradley University with Associates of Science in 1963, Bachelors of Science in 1966 and Masters of Science of 1970. He was a Professor for Tri-State University where he was awarded the Gelet Excellence in Teaching Award in Engineering.From 1989-1991 he was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Purdue University.August 1988 to present he was President/Owner of Martin & Associates Consulting Services.He was employed from 1986 to August 1988 at Cooper Industrial Products as Manager of Division Planning and Training.He was employed at Sheller Globe from 1985-1986 as a Program control Manager.He was employed at Caterpillar 1974-1985 as a Staff Engineer.He was an Assistant professor of Manufacturing Technology for Illinois Central College from 1970-1974.He was a Plant Quality Control Engineer from 1966-1970 for Hyster Company. Don was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin where he taught Sunday School, served as Superintendent of the Sunday School and was a leader of youth programs at Zion Lutheran Church in Garrett, IN. He volunteered with Aid Association for Lutherans. He had served on the Pekin Community High School Board of Education. He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He had received the SME award of Honor and the SME award of merit. He also helped start numerous student chapters of SME.