Max "Mick" Dean Martz Sr.

Max “Mick” Dean Martz Sr. of Mattoon, IL passed away at 6:20 AM, Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL. A memorial service will be held in Mick’s honor at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Pastor Jim Maroon will officiate. Military Rites will be performed by Mattoon VFW Post 4325. The burial will take place at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX. Max was born on November 6, 1946, in Mattoon, IL to the late William Calvin Jr. and Wanda Lee (Scoles) Martz. He married Aurora Maldonado in San Antonio, TX in 1970; she preceded him in death on June 23, 2019. He is survived by three children: Gina Garcia of Live Oak, TX, Janie Garcia-Solano of San Antonio, TX, Max D. Martz Jr. of San Antonio, TX; four grandchildren: Paul A. Solano of San Antonio, TX, Samuel N. Solano of San Antonio, TX, Grace G. Griggs of Live Oak, TX, Jacob A. Griggs of Live Oak, TX; and one sister, Patricia L. Hite of Mattoon, IL; many beloved nieces and nephews; and special friend, Connie Thomas. He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Martz; and half-brother, Bill Jennings. Mick was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a Dental Lab Technician for fifteen years and a Military Training Instructor for five years. He was a member of the Mount Zion General Baptist Church of Cooks Mills, IL. Music and dancing brought Mick so much joy. Although he loved all music, old country classics were his first choice. He was a dance instructor, and also taught line dancing at the LifeSpan Center in Mattoon, IL. Having an interest in the Spanish culture, he educated himself to speak the language. He had an appreciation for old cars and enjoyed weekly coffee at the Airport Steakhouse in Mattoon, IL. As a father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Mick will be fondly remembered. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Wounded Warrier Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Max "Mick" Dean Martz Sr.

November 6, 1946 - August 1, 2023