Rickey J. Martin, 73, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, February 6, 2021.

 

He was born on September 13, 1947, in Belleville, Illinois, to William R. and Dorothy (Stoll) Martin.

Rickey retired from Bethlehem Steel after 33 years of service. He was a member of the United Steel Workers of America and the VFW in Belleville, Illinois. Ricky served in the Army during the Vietnam War, where he received a Purple Heart. He had a passion for fishing, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

 

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sherry (Lane); sons, John (Brenda) Martin of La Porte, Michael (Tammy) Martin of La Porte; daughter Jennifer (Tony) Hibner of Michigan City; grandchildren, Nikki Martin, Monica Martin, Kevin Johnson, Eric Hudson, Brittany Bloom, Arthur Bloom, Adam Bloom, Brooke Bloom, Austin Martin, Justyn Biller, April Stattler; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Laura) Martin of Belleville, Illinois, Ronald (Bev) Martin of Belleville, Illinois, and Dennis Martin of Portage, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Bradley Martin, Archie Martin, and Marie O’Donnell.

 

Burial of ashes with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Pine Lake Cemetery. A celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021, at the La Porte Civic Auditorium, main entrance.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte, Indiana.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 225 Michigan Ave #1200, Chicago, IL 60601, or Operation Finally Home, PO Box 732667, Dallas, TX 75373-2667.

 

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at EsslingFuneralHome.com.