Irvin Clarence Martin

Our beloved Irv Martin was born on 4/20/1934 in Bloomington, IL, and passed away 10/22/2015, in Tacoma, WA, as the result of Alzheimers disease and a serious fall. He is preceded in death by his parents Herbert D. Martin and Mildred Cox Martin. Irv is survived by his wife and soulmate Nancy, five children Michelle Wesolowski (Colorado Springs, CO), Matt (Shannon) Martin (Mukilteo, WA), Susie (Dan) Konicek (Geneva, IL), Laura (Matt) McKinney (Sandy Springs, GA), and Katie (Tim) Searl (Colorado Springs, CO) - 12 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and another great grandchild due to be born close to Irvs April birthday. Irv was also close to his two sisters and their families Marjorie McBride (Lancaster, KY) and her son Jim (Robin) Vines (Stanford, KY) and Romelle Stone and her son Jeff (Gale) Stone (all from Danville, IN). Irv loved God and church, his family and friends, singing, laughter, cars, ice cream, elephants, airplane vapor trails among the clouds, and Applebees. Even though toward the end, his memory was failing, his eyes would light up at the mention of any one of these things. Irv was called to ministry using the great vehicle of music to help people grow spiritually, musically, mentally, and physically through good musical experiences. Teaching the message of Gods love through Christ was central to his ministry. Regardless of innate talent or level of training, Irv could bring music out of anyone and believed that participation in church music was beneficial to people of all ages. Irv held a Bachelor of Science in Sacred Music, Anderson University, Anderson, IN, with a Major in Voice and Choral Conducting and a Minor in Christian Education. He also held a Masters of Music Education, Millikin University, Decatur, IL, focusing on Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting. Throughout his life, he was a voice teacher. His career as a Director of Music Ministry began in 1959 at South Meridian Church of God, Anderson, IN. He also taught at Bethalto Senior High School, Bethalto, IL. From there he became Director of Music and Youth Ministries, First Methodist Church, Wood River, IL. He served many years (1966 1969 and 1971 1983) at Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, IL, a 2,000 member church with eight choirs with 425 participants. Other places he served include Trinity Presbyterian Church, Tucson, AZ, First American Baptist Church, Bloomington, IL, First Presbyterian Church, Salem, OR, Marine View Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, WA, and University Place Presbyterian Church, University Place, WA. One church tribute said, In his work with all of us, Irv can be characterized as one aspect of Jesus ministry was characterized: He simply loved them and they began to want to become good. That has been many peoples experience of Irv. He has loved us and in our awareness of his care and concern, we have wanted to be better than we were, to do well, and to sing praises; we began to want to become good. That is what a world-class encourager can accomplish. Irv especially loved working with youth and spent countless hours teaching, counseling, coaching, and praying for hundreds, if not thousands of kids. His own precious children were always by far the most important youth in his eyes and heart. He instilled in them a love of the Lord, learning, music, and a legacy of hard work, service, and seeking excellence in all endeavors. One accomplishment he was particularly fond of sharing is when he pulled all five children at once waterskiing at Lake of the Ozarks behind his 18 foot Mark Twain boat. It was well-documented in photos and mentioned often through the years. His 81 years of life on this earth are filled with so many remembrances and stories to share. His was a life well-lived to be sure. He is missed more than words can say. His Master replied, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Masters happiness! Matthew 25:21. Irvs memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 14th, at University Place Presbyterian Church (UPPC), 8101 27th Street West, University Place, WA 98466, 253-564-2522. If you wish to honor Irvs memory, consider a donation to UPPCs Music Program or the Alzheimers Association