Donald J. Martin died Wednesday April 23rd at 5:16pm at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL. Don was born Oct. 22, 1958 in Royal Oak, Michigan to Enid and Norwood "Marty" Martin.

Donald is survived by his life partner Kathleen Milligan and two daughters of his heart: Pamela Megan Billings and Sara Jane Jocelyn of Urbana, IL; his mother Enid Martin and two brothers, Kenneth Martin and David Martin of MI. Don also had a huge extended family in the Douglas, Champaign and Vermillion County areas, many of which were with him when he passed away. Last Saturday he spent with his daughters, cousins and some other close friends, "Don's Kids" slumber partying. Sunday morning, Don got up extra early to be the "waffle dad" after a long night of movies as he has done so many times before.

Don was involved with many different organizations and activities. Since the age of 11, he and his family have been involved in the Motor City Theatre Organ Society, a theatre group in Detroit, MI. He has been in charge of the Redford Theatre's restoration project for over 25 years (www.redfordtheatre.com/restore/). Here in IL, his major contributions were with the Greater Champaign County AMBUCS where he served as editor of their weekly newsletter, The Buc Shot. He also did face painting at the annual Scarecrow Festival. Don and Kathy supported the annual "Light the Night" event and Carle's Pediatric Oncology Christmas Party where they did face painting as well.

Don was a graphic artist who also loved writing poetry and stories. He had a passion for restoration, loved to carve miniatures, draw freehand as well as with computer programs and create sculptures. In his free time, he liked to collect toy trains, specifically "American Flyer" and had a grand collection of lighthouses that family and friends added to regularly.

There will be a Celebration of Don's Life open house on May 10th at/after 2pm in Camargo, IL at Cousin Terri Lee and Tim's Barn. Please send any memories, pictures or messages for the Celebration to: 303 Carrie Ave. Urbana, IL 61802. There will be another Celebration of his Life for Don at the Redford Theatre in MI at the end of May, date TBA.