Lake Bluff Obituary: Donald "Don" O. Martin, 88

Donald O. Martin, 88, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2021. He was born on October 25, 1932 in Winchester, MA to Lawrence S. and Marjorie (nee Ordway) Martin.

Don was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. After graduating from the University of Maryland (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following his three year stint, he embarked on a new career in farming and residential real estate sales. In 1969, he relocated his family to Lake Bluff, IL to pursue a career in corporate real estate with The Florsheim Shoe Company and later on with Hart, Schaffner & Marx (Hartmarx Corp.). He was a longtime member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Nothing was more important to Don than his love for his family and friends. He enjoyed coaching his sons’ little league and daughters’ softball teams, as well as volunteering as a Confirmation teacher at his local church. He enjoyed sailing, golf, and being a proud spectator at many sporting events where one of his children or grandchildren were participants. Don was the founder of the annual Shirley Hobbs Martin Memorial Golf outing which raised over $450,000.00 for pancreatic cancer research and a proud charter member of the infamous Lake Bluff Precision Lawn Mower Team.

Donald is survived by his loving children Sharon (Michael) Hatch, Donna Martin, Donald “Skip” (Laura) Martin, Jr. and Dan (Denise) Martin; his loving grandchildren Sean Hatch, Joseph (Lauren) Carani, Amy (Amelia) Hatch, Courtney (David Heck) Carani, Alexis (Scott) Geschke, Quinn Martin and Jessica Martin; his loving great grandchild Everett Carani; his loving brothers James L. Martin and William R. (Joan) Martin and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley Hobbs Martin (2002), his brother Rev. Richard K. Martin and his parents.

A Celebration of Donald’s life will be held at a later date at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, IL. Memorial contributions may be sent to JourneyCare Hospice, Attn: JourneyCare Foundation, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025 or 224-770-2413. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, IL (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com