Emery Gene Martin, 74 of Champaign, died at 7:55 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2011 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 13 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Private burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Mr. Martin was born August 14, 1936 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Emery and Areta (Gould) Martin. He married Garnet Worlow in 1971 at Urbana, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Laurie Martin of Monticello and twins, Mike Martin (Stephanie) of Champaign and Shelley Clement (Eddie) of Paonia, CO, step-children, Mike Litherland of Villa Grove, Sherry Reed (Brian) of Homer and Dawn Toland (Bill) of Urbana, nine grandchildren, a great grandson and a great granddaughter. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Shirley Rae Carroll, grandchildren, Thomas Jay Martin in 1982 and Garnet Christeen Litherland in 2004.

Gene was a retired coach and teacher who enjoyed his chosen profession for 27 years. Raised in Gillespie, a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with an advanced degree from the University of Illinois. A graduate of Yale Institute of Far Eastern Languages while serving with the United States Air Force Security Service. Gene strongly and proudly supported the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

Memorials may be made to the Gene Martin Athletic Scholarship Fund at Unity High School, Tolono, in care of Busey Bank. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com