Sherman E. Martin of Chester

Sherman E. Martin, 86, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 12:20 a.m., Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Highland Healthcare Center, Highland, Illinois.

He was born to the late Francis M. and Sabre (nee Maddox) Martin on January 26, 1932 in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He married Jo Ann Powell on December 31, 1952 in East Saint Louis; she survives.

Sherman was a teacher at Chester High School. He assisted Mr. John Birchler with the color guard and the rifle drill team. He retired as an educator at the Menard Correctional Facility in Chester. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #3553, the American Legion Post #487 in Chester and had served as past commander. He was a member of the Marine Corps League of Randolph County working with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.

Sherman was a Marine Corps veteran and served in the Korean War where he was a Chosin Reservoir survivor and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Sherman was of the Protestant Faith. He enjoyed calling bingo on Friday evenings at the American Legion Hall. He had been a Boy Scout Leader in Troy. He was a member of the Breezy Hill Airplane Club in Chester. He was also involved in the Chester Muny Band. He was a former Police Commissioner. Sherman was a member of the Masonic Lodge #72 in Chester and was a member of the Ainad Shriners in East St. Louis where he was a Keystone Kop and in the Legion of Honor.

Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Martin of Chester; two sons, Robert (Gwen) Martin of Makanda and Donald Martin of Chester; one brother, Francis Marion (Janice) Martin, Jr. of Collinsville; five grandchildren, Rhonda (Greg) Wold, Stephanie (Russell) Blattner, Jeremy (Courtney) Martin, Sean (Emily) Martin and Robbie Martin; five great grandchildren, Hannah Blattner, Alyssa Blattner, Ryan Blattner, Isabella Martin, Kelsey Wold, and Nicole Ridge; and one great-great Granddaughter: Cherish Pouk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, 839 Lehmen Dr., Chester, with Rev. Phillip Keeton officiating. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday and from 7:30-10 a.m. Saturday at Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester.

Memorials may be made to Toys for Tots or Heartland Hospice.

To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.pmfh.net.