Tony D Martin

April 16, 1940 - March 26, 2011

GESSIE, IND. — Tony D. Martin, 70, of Gessie, Ind., passed away unexpectedly at 10:40 a.m. CDT Saturday, March 26, 2011, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center emergency room in Danville.

Tony was born April 16, 1940, in Danville, to Villard and Pauline (Oliphant) Martin. Tony married Shirley Downs on January 17, 1970, in Newport, Ind. She survives, as well as, two daughters, Amy (Gary) Wilcoxen of Perrysville, Ind. and Krista (B.J.) Witsman of Covington, Ind.; two grandsons, Chase Martin Witsman and Cole Robert Dale Witsman, who will miss their “Pop” dearly; three sisters, Margo Lewis of Covington, Ind.; Sandra Robertson of Lebanon, Ind., and Yolanda Reel of Lancaster, Calif.; mother-in-law, Lucille Downs of Cayuga, Ind.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy (George) Harrison of Banks, Ore., and Linda (Joe) Wilson of Eugene, Ind., as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and the father who raised him since age seven, James Russell Lewis, as well as his father-in-law, Lowell Downs.

Tony graduated from Covington High School in 1958, received his bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University, and masters degree from Indiana State. He served in the United States Army for three years, stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas.

Tony taught social studies for 40 years at North Vermillion School Corporation in Cayuga, Ind., retiring on May 26, 2006. During his 40 years he impacted the lives of thousands of students. Teaching was his passion and it was obvious that a mutual respect was fostered between him and all of his students. During his many years he coached several junior high basketball teams, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Tony enjoyed playing the piano, gardening, reading, and most of all, spending time with his grandsons and family. Those who knew him best will remember him for his wonderful sense of humor and compassion for others. Tony was a master teacher, exceptional husband, father, and “Pop” to his grandsons. He will be dearly missed.

Memorial services: 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at the Gessie United Methodist Church in Gessie, Ind., with military rites following services at the church. Officiating: Oren A. Sutherlin. Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga, Ind. Per his wishes, Tony will be cremated and burial of cremains will be held at a later date. Condolences: www.deverterfuneralhome.com