Ernest Dean Martin, age 78, of Joliet, IL. passed away on January 28th, 2026, at Silver Cross Hospital following a 7-year battle with kidney disease. Up until the end, Ernie maintained his kindness, appreciation of life, and love for his family. He was the first-born child of Ellis and Ina (Hoogstraat) Martin. His mother, age 96, survives and resides in Gilman, IL. Born September 29th, 1947, Ernie spent his childhood and younger years in Piper City, IL. Following his high school graduation in 1965, Ernie attended Greer College of Automotive Engineering in Chicago. His analytical thought process, desire to explore, and love of his country led him to the United States Air Force. Ernie enlisted in 1966 and proudly served in Germany during the Vietnam War as an aerospace ground repairman. His education and military experience provided him with the skills to repair and work on a wide variety of machinery throughout his life. Ernie devoted years to a career in auto and machine mechanics, where he proudly contributed his knowledge and skills to numerous projects. He was particularly proud of the 25 years he spent with the RDI group, where he worked as a field service engineer. His quiet strength, steady presence, and willingness to teach others left an impact and lasting impression on many. Ernie had an incredible ability to fix anything, and his enthusiasm to do so was shared with both family and friends. A hard worker with motivation and determination, Ernie provided the best possible life for those he loved. He was a practical man yet selfless when it came to the wants/needs of his family and friends. Ernie will be remembered as a "good guy" who was always willing to lend a helping hand, assist in projects, entertain with a story, or give some recount of remember that time when. He will be sorely missed but will live on in those who knew and loved him. 

Ernie was preceded in death by his father, Ellis, and his wife, Linda. 

He is survived by his children. Debi (Josh) Donze Of Pontiac, IL, Jill (Billy) Bennet Of Scottsboro, AL. Gary (Tanya) Belt Of Loda, IL. David Belt (Randi Speiss) of Piper City, IL. Donna Martin (Timothy Nanzer) of Joliet, IL. Also surviving: one brother, Ed (Rose) Martin of TX; one sister, Bonnie (Mack) Glass of Galesburg, IL. Aunts, uncles, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and numerous other relatives and friends also survive.

Per Ernie's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life took place in February of 2026. There will be a graveside service at Skaggs Creek Cemetery on October 3, 2026, at 11:00AM where his family will gather to honor his military service and reunite him with his wife, Linda.