George Bernard Martin, Jr., age 60

March 23, 1961 – December 20, 2021

George Bernard Martin, Jr. age 60, of rural Sigel, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly at 11:29 AM – Monday, December 20, 2021, at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

F uneral service celebrating George's life, will be held at 10:30 AM - Friday, December 24, 2021, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois, with Mike Baker and Caleb Baker officiating.  Burial will be in the Dieterich Village Cemetery, with full military rites provided by the Dieterich American Legion Post #932.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM - Thursday, December 23, 2021, at the funeral home.  In loving memory of George, memorials maybe made to the Funds for Christ International and can be mailed to the Martin Family, 336 CR 500 East, Sigel, Illinois 62462.  The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com .

George was born on March 23, 1961, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of George Bernard and Sonjia (Ervin) Martin.  He was a graduate of Dietrich High School, class of 1981.  He then attended Barber School and Lakeland College studying Law Enforcement.  George married Julie King on June 26, 1982, at Dieterich Christian Church.

George served his country in the United States Navy.  He most recently worked for Dart Express as a truck driver.

George was a member of the Dieterich Christian Church. For the past year he shared his love of the Lord as the minister of Old Union Christian Church.  He also shared his love of the Lord as a missionary with Funds for Christ International.

George enjoyed ginseng hunting, playing cards and loved to be a jokester, making everyone laugh and smile.

George is survived by:

Wife of 39 years - Julie Martin of rural Sigel, Illinois

Mother – Sonjia Martin of Dieterich, Illinois

Children – Stephanie Martin (Danny Williams) of Dieterich, Illinois; Michael (Kathy) Martin of Sigel, Illinois; and Daniel Martin of Sigel, Illinois

Grandchildren – Shelby Williams, Alex Joplin, Katie Joplin, Ethan Joplin, Braydon Williams, Bentley Williams, Payton Williams and Eli Williams

Sisters – Lorenetta Poe of Dieterich, Illinois; Janet (John) Goldstein of Teutopolis, Illinois; Rosalie (Frank) Nasser of Funkhouser, Illinois

Mother-in-law - Kathleen King of Effingham, Illinois

George was preceded in death by his father, father-in-law George King sister Deborah Pugh, grandchildren Christopher Pounds, Danny and James Williams.