~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, DL Capt. Donald Martin
January 16, 1956 ~ June 27, 2026
Retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Donald
DeWayne Martin joined Delta Air Lines 05-09-1988. He is survived by his wife Reda, and by his children
and their families. Visitation and
services will be held July 9th in Missouri….please see obituary
below for details.
For those who may wish to send a personal note, I do
see an Illinois address listed in whitepages for the Martins at
732 N Whitcomb Dr, Palatine, IL 60074.
PCN memorial site memorial site
https://www.hutsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Donald-Martin
Donald Martin Obituary
Donald DeWayne Martin of Palatine, IL, was born on
Monday, January 16, 1956, in France to Donald Louis Martin and Lois Irene
Martin, nee Ray. He passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, surrounded by
family at his home in Palatine, IL at the age of 70 years, 5 months, and 11
days.
Donald grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and later moved to Phoenix, Arizona
where he graduated from Maryvale High School. Committed to his faith and
personal growth, Donald went on to study at Bethany Bible College in Santa
Cruz, California and Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, ultimately
earning his Bachelor of Science in Bible and Psychology. Shortly after,
he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his country as both a pilot
and an instructor.
He went on to build a fulfilling, 30-year career as a pilot for Delta Airlines,
eventually retiring with the rank of Captain. A man of deep faith, Donald
accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at a young age and was an active
member of Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois. On May 3,
1975, he married the love of his life, Reda Diane Ikerd, and together they were
blessed with three children. While Donald had a lifelong passion for flying,
reading, music, and playing the guitar, nothing brought him more joy than the
time he spent with his family.
Donald was preceded in death by his father, Donald Martin; stepfather, Kenneth
Hatcher; parents-in-law, James and Diana Ikerd; and sister Candy Halbert.
Donald is survived by his wife of 51 years, Reda Martin of Palatine, IL;
mother, Lois Hatcher of Santa Rosa, FL; children, Tisha (husband,
Michael) Lorraine of Steelville, MO, Bethanie (husband, Jeffrey) Jones of
Palatine, IL, and Donald (wife, Devan) Martin of Nashville, TN; brother, Ronald
(wife, Dayla) Martin of Santa Rosa, FL; sisters-in-law, Jamie (husband, Chuck)
Gibbs of Gilbert, AZ, and Carolyn (husband, Dave) Lightfoot of Silverdale, WA;
brothers-in-law, James Ikerd of Steelville, MO and Danny Halbert of Leasburg,
MO; grandchildren, Trace (wife, Kaitlyn) Lorraine of Steelville, MO, Madalyn
(husband, Benjamin) Rago, Trevor Jones, Olivia Jones, Jackson Jones all of
Palatine, IL, Sophie Martin and Owen Martin both of Nashville, TN; great
grandchildren, Emmett Lorraine, Charlotte Rago and Sadie Rago; many nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM on Thursday, July 9,
2026, at First Assembly of God Church in Steelville, MO. Burial at
Steelville Cemetery will immediately follow the visitation with Rev. Jerry
Beers officiating and full military honors.
Celebration of Life will be after the burial at 4:00 PM
at First Assembly of God Church - Massey Hall, with Pastor David Hatcher
officiating. Family and friends are invited to share dinner and
fellowship and share stories.
Memorials may be given to Donations | Project E15 ( www.projecte15.com ), Donald was
passionate about this children's home and his family opened this home in
Honduras, where many kids of all ages have been saved from the streets.
Arrangements under the care of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.
