Alan Martin

Alan Lloyd Martin

Born August 22, 1951, Alan Martin passed away at age 71 on September 23, 2022.

Preceded in death by father Willis and brother Randy, Alan is survived by his mother Alethea, wife Abbey, three children, Kyle (Kara) Martin of Decatur, David (Regina) Martin of Winamac, Alyssa (Raleigh) Bonte of Fort Wayne and seven beloved grandchildren, Keagan, Kinley, Hutch, Reese, Kip, Tess and Charly (collectively known as “the circus”).

Raised on a successful dairy and crop farm in Bryant, Indiana by Willis and Alethea Martin (Bollenbacher), Alan was the oldest of six (mostly skinnier, but loved) brothers: Doyle, Bob, Randy, Dwight and Brad.

Alan attended Ball State University where he excelled in mathematics–although earning an honorary degree in card sharking with the Swinford (dormitory) Shufflers…paying dividends throughout his life dominating friends and relatives in Pinochle and Euchre.

Alan married his South Adams Starfire sweetheart Abbey Hilty on December 30, 1972 and went on to build a successful career at All American Homes for more than 30 years. A “servant leader” before it was a term, “Al” was respected and admired by those who worked for and around him - building lifelong relationships.

A good and faithful servant of God, Alan (with Abbey) was an active member of St. Mark’s United Methodist in Decatur for nearly 45 years - serving in various leadership capacities but most prominently known as “the sound guy” and current nominee for the St. Mark’s Usher Hall of Fame.

Beyond his family, profession and faith, Alan was a championship softball and baseball coach (Orioles over Indians; ‘86 and ‘92), an avid boater and fisherman at Camp Withers, jigsaw puzzler, board game and card player (see above), a loyal Cubs and IU fan and fervent connoisseur of sugary confections.

While Alan’s death was sudden, he was an “overcomer” and truly lived until he died. Given three days to live with spinal meningitis in 1963, Alan lived a full life–especially in his last decade: following his talented and athletic grandchildren, fishing and boating, supporting the Cubs to a World Series championship and traveling across the country. All of this while overcoming physical- and mental-health challenges; most recently kicking Parkinson’s ass with his fellow classmates at Rock Steady boxing in Bluffton–extending and enhancing his quality of life, while again building lifelong friendships (even if he was often loudly, but lovingly, “encouraged” during his workouts).

Alan’s life was one that was incredibly-well lived, and will be celebrated with visitation on Tuesday September 27th at Haggard-Hirschy and Zelt Funeral Home (225 West Adams St, Decatur) from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. This will be followed by a celebration of life service at St. Mark’s United Methodist in Decatur (546 US-224, Decatur) on Wednesday, September 28th starting at 11:00am, with visitation one our prior to the service at 10:00am.

Memorials may be given in Lieu of flowers to Rock Steady Boxing through Haggard Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alan Martin, please visit our floral store.