Donald DeWayne Martin of Palatine, Illinois was born on Monday, Jan. 16, 1956 in France to Donald Louis Martin and Lois Irene (nee Ray) Martin and passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026 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. He went on to study at Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz, California and Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, earning his Bachelor of Science in Bible and Psychology.
Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as both a pilot and an instructor. He went on to build a 30-year career as a pilot for Delta Airlines, eventually retiring with the rank of Captain.
He was an active member of Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois.
On May 3, 1975, he married Reda Diane Ikerd.
He enjoyed flying, reading, music and playing the guitar.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Martin; stepfather, Kenneth Hatcher; parents-in-law, James and Diana Ikerd; and sister, Candy Halbert.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Reda Martin of Palatine, Illinois; mother, Lois Hatcher of Santa Rosa, Florida; children, Tisha and husband Michael Lorraine of Steelville, Missouri, Bethanie and husband Jeffrey Jones of Palatine, Illinois and Donald and wife Devan Martin of Nashville, Tennessee; brother, Ronald and wife Dayla Martin of Santa Rosa, Florida; sisters-in-law, Jamie and husband Chuck Gibbs of Gilbert, Arizona and Carolyn and husband, Dave Lightfoot of Silverdale, Washington; brothers-in-law, James Ikerd of Steelville, Missouri and Danny Halbert of Leasburg, Missouri; grandchildren, Trace and wife Kaitlyn Lorraine of Steelville, Missouri, Madalyn and husband Benjamin Rago, Trevor Jones, Olivia Jones, Jackson Jones all of Palatine, Illinois, Sophie Martin and Owen Martin both of Nashville, Tennessee; great grandchildren, Emmett Lorraine, Charlotte Rago and Sadie Rago; other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at First Assembly of God Church in Steelville, Missouri.
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 p.m. 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.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
