Gregory Martin Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gregory "Greg" Gene Martin, who passed comfortably on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his loved ones. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He married Barbara Lennie on August 23, 1969, and she is his surviving spouse.

Also surviving are two daughters Amy (Robert) Thompson of Washington and Sara Martin of Peoria; Grandchildren Brittany (Jon Vawter) Danley of Washington, Casey (Brooke) Danley of Saint Louis, Ellie Thomspon of Washington, Jakayah and Journey Laney of Peoria, and six great grandchildren, with two more on the way who he will carefully pick in heaven. Further surviving are one sister Rebecca Martin of Farmer City, IL; one brother in law Frank Lennie of Grand Rapids, MI and one sister in law Margaret Lieupo of Virginia Beach, VA, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emily and Gene Martin; one sister, Paula Jordan; and brothers-in-law, John Lennie, Jim Lennie, and Al Lieupo.

He graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Decatur, IL, in 1965. He attended Eureka College and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, as well as minors in Music and Religion. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at St. Patrick's School in Washington. During his time at St. Pat's, he coached baseball, basketball, and track and field. During this time, he also began assisting at Washington High School with the boys' basketball team and later transitioned to helping with the girls' basketball team.

In 1988, he began teaching at Washington High School in the History Department, where he remained until his retirement in 2007, after 38 years in the classroom. Beside coaching basketball, he had the opportunity to coach volleyball, track and field, baseball, softball, diving, and served as a football referee and baseball umpire. Along with coaching high school, Greg coached 27 seasons as part of the ICC women's basketball team as an assistant coach. He was proud to have been staff under every head coach that the women's basketball program has had (Lorene Ramsey, Steve Garber, Cindy Stein, and now Karrie Redeker). One of his best assets as a coach was his ability to listen, motivate, and encourage every player to bring their best, and assist in developing a better mental approach to the game.

His longtime dedication to the game and his work with many athletes earned Coach Martin a proud induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Hall of Fame as a career coach in April 2023. He is also a member of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, having been inducted for his work with the 2002-03 and 2005-06 ICC WBB National Championship teams as an assistant coach.

Although Coach Martin loved being on the field or the court, his number one favorite spot was the sidelines, cheering on his grandkids. He was a trusted sounding board for delivering thoughtful guidance and coaching- even from hundreds of miles away. He enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox, Green Bay Packers, and, most recently, Game Changer so that he could watch his great-granddaughters' softball games. His sense of humor was one of a kind, and he was an overall great guy. Throughout the years, you would likely see him talking about "this day in history," wearing ICC Cougars gear, having a tie for every occasion, and listening to talk radio. One of his favorite things was family dinners, especially when they were at Busy Corner especially for the doorcounty cherry pie, and the overall laughs that were brought. His knowledge of life and many experiences brought many of life lessons to his children, grandchildren, peers and athletes.

Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded. A time to celebrate his life will be on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from noon until 2 pm at Connect Church in Washington. The family would ask that you wear your favorite sports attire. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Illinois Central College Women's Basketball Program. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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