Martin Hampton, 96, of Opdyke, Illinois, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at White Oak Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
He was born March 27, 1927, in Belle Rive, Illinois, to the late Harry “Gene” and Helen (Butts) Hampton. Martin married Mary A. Modlin in Mt. Vernon, and they were blessed with 58 years or marriage before she preceded him in death in 2012.
He is survived by his daughters, Elaine Harvill and husband Steve, and Kim Castic; grandchildren, Darren Harvill and wife Sandi, Travis Tate and Brittany Croessman, Lauren Elizondo and husband Nicolaus, and Jayma Pearson and husband Chris; great-grandchildren, Tyler Tate and wife Maddie, Jaxon Tate, Kynley Tate, Jackson Harvill, and Maysa Harvill; sister, Nancy Benjamin; brother, Nelson Hampton; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Mary Hampton, he was preceded in death by his parents; and infant son, Randy Eugene Hampton.
Martin proudly served his country in the United States Navy, as a Seabee, in World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a carpenter by trade, joining the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in 1947, and was awarded his 70 year pin at the age of 90. Martin enjoyed camping with his family and friends, and was an avid Ham Radio Operator. One of Martin’s most treasured experiences was the Veterans Honor Flight #004, at the age of 91, to Washington D.C.. He was a longtime active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
His last few years were blessed by exceptional care and devotion by his caregivers, Pam Graham, Fay Kirk, and Flo Dean. There are no words to express our amount of gratitude. Sincere appreciation to Dr. Chris Modert and staff for years of excellent care. And to the entire staff of White Oak Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, we thank you for your wonderful care and compassion.
Funeral Services for Mr. Hampton will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Osborn Funeral Home in Dix, with Pastor Bryan Bennett officiating. Interment will follow at Opdyke Cemetery, with graveside military rites accorded by American Legion Post #141 of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service, Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, 10400 Terminal Drive, Suite 200, Marion, Illinois 62959, and will also be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.