Mickey Martin

Goreville- George J. “Mickey” Martin, 74, of Goreville, formerly of Herrin, passed away at 9:50 PM, Sunday, September 16, 2018. Mickey was born on October 28, 1943 in Olney to Joe and Jeanette (Wray) Martin. He married the love of his life, Colette Howard on February 28, 1969 in Herrin. Together for almost 50 years. Mickey was a tough and hardworking man who spent 25 years working for area mines until his retirement in 1997. He began his career as a buggy operator for Peabody Mines and was working as a welder and truck driver at Marissa Underground when he retired. He was a member of the Unite Mine Workers of America and was of Baptist Faith. He loved spending time with his beloved family and his close friends at his beautiful property where he built his home and he liked to spend time outdoors fishing, hunting and playing golf with his buddies. He will be dearly missed. Survivors include- Beloved wife- Colette Martin of Goreville Son- Rick Martin of Goreville Son- Chad Martin and wife Amanda of Herrin Daughter- Heather Jerrells and husband Aaron of Windermere, FL Grandchildren: Amy Emery of Herrin Adam Emery of Herrin Kaleb Martin and wife Rachel of Colorado Springs, CO Jade and Kara Martin of Herrin Blake Jerrells and wife Sarah of Winter Garden, FL Logan Jerrells of Windermere, FL 3 Great Grandchildren- Kendal and Brayden Yates and Mila Emery all of Herrin Brother- Rex Piper of Herrin Brother- Bo South and wife Susan of Herrin Sister in law- Patti Piper of Bloomington, IL Niece- Cricket Ladd of Herrin Many cousins and nieces and nephews Numerous close friends Beloved dog- “Boo” He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter- Sheila Emery, son- Brett Michael Martin, sisters- Rosemary Hunt and Kay Gossman and brothers- Rick Ferguson and Dick Piper. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Herrin City Cemetery. Rev. James Wright will officiate. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the graveside. Funeral arrangements were made at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to ASPCA or a local Humane Shelter and will be accepted at the cemetery or mailed to Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St./ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.