Leon Martin

Leon Martin, 83, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 6:42 p.m., Monday, November 23, 2020 at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center, Galesburg, IL.

He was born on October 19, 1937 in Maquon, IL, the son of Floyd and Alice (Benson) Martin.  Leon was raised and educated in the Maquon and Avon area, graduating from Avon High School in 1955.  He served in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years earning the rank of Sargent First Class.

Leon married Donna Swinger on August 31, 1958 in Avon, IL; she survives.

Leon started selling farm equipment at Neff Equipment in Avon, and he later went on to co-own Monmouth Implement for many years.  He was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer Post Leader, a member of the Monmouth Evening Lions Club, and the First United Methodist Church in Monmouth.  Leon served on the Warren County Prime Beef Festival committee from 1970-2013; he was honored as the Grand Marshall of the parade twice.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, he enjoyed attending all of their activities.

Surviving Leon is his wife, Donna Martin of Monmouth, IL, Teresa (Craig) Armstrong of rural Monmouth, IL; five grandchildren, Jason (Sydney) Bishop of Port Byron, IL, Kayla (Dustin) Bishop of Clarence, IA, Corey Armstrong of Westmont, IL, Megan (Doug) Thornton of Roseville, IL, Chris (Lindsay) Armstrong of rural Monmouth, IL; four great grandchildren, Adison Thornton, Cooper Thornton, Rowen Bishop, and Larissa Armstrong.  Also surviving is one sister, Bonnie Woodruff of Solon, IA; one brother, Merrill Martin of rural Monmouth, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Alvin & Ivan Martin.

Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Silent Home Cemetery, Cameron, IL.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Friends may call during the day from 9:00am-5:00 p.m., Friday, November 27, 2020 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home to sign the register book, the family will not be present.  Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Parkinson’s Foundation.  McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements.  Due to COVID-19 Restrictions all attendees are required to wear a mask and social distance.