Memorials

Raymond Royce Martin, 70, of Columbia City, passed away at 1:40 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2009 at his home. 

Born on October 18, 1939 in Elizabethtown, New York, he was the son of Fred Eric and Olga Julia (Royce) Martin.

He lived in New York , moving to Illinois for 12 years. In 1972, he moved to Fort Wayne and in 1978, he moved to Whitley County.

He attended Greer Technical Institute, Braidwood, Illinois.

On December 2, 1961, he married Lois Irene Parrish, the light of his life, in Joilet, Illinois. 

A general farmer, he worked at Material Paving Corporation, Chicago, Illinois, Peabody Coal Company, St. Louis, Missouri, American Smelting Company, Elmwood, Illinois, from 1971 until 1998 he owned and operated Ray's Truck Wash until his retirement.

He attended Community of Hope Grace Brethren Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and traveling with his wife. 

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Lois Irene Martin of Columbia City; his only child and son-in-law, Michelle M. and Ken Slavicek of Columbia City; a beloved grandson, Connor Martin Slavicek and cherished granddaughter, Kennedy Noelle Slavicek of Columbia City; a sister, Wilba Louise Strong of New Russia, New York; several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Donald and Susie Parrish of Wilmington, Illinois; John and Sandy Parrish of Coal City, Illinois; Dick and Jinnie Parrish of Wilmington, Illinois; Bonnie and Bill Favero of Braidwood, Illinois; Barbara and Pat Duffy of Braidwood, Illinois;  Bev and Mike Duffy of Wilmington, Illinois; Mike and Jan Parrish of Channahon, Illinois; Peggy and Jim Cole, Linda and Doug Mandat, Lillie and Steve Heitke, Donna and Tom Thompson all of Braidwood, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 4, 2009 at Community of Hope Grace Brethren Church, West Jackson Street, Columbia City, with Pastor John Gregory and Pastor Jeremy Wike of Community of Hope Grace Brethren Church, officiating. 

Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Martin to The Center for Whitley County Youth or Camp Whitley.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.