Rickey J. Martin, 73, of La Porte, Ind., passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021.
He was born Sept. 13, 1947, in Belleville, Ill., 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. 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 and Michael (Tammy) Martin of La Porte; daughter, Jennifer (Tony) Hibner of Michigan City, Ind.; grandchildren, Nikki Martin, Monica Martin, Kevin Johnson, Eric Hudson, Brittany Bloom, Arthur Bloom, Adam Bloom, Brooke Bloom, Austin Martin, Justyn Biller, and April Stattler; 21 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Robert (Laura) Martin of Belleville, Ronald (Bev) Martin of Belleville and Dennis Martin of Portage, Ind.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bradley Martin, Archie Martin and Marie O’Donnell.
Burial of ashes with military honors will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at the La Porte Civic Auditorium, main entrance. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 225 Michigan Ave., #1200, Chicago, Ill. 60601; or Operation Finally Home, P.O. Box 732667, Dallas, Tex. 75373-2667.
Messages of condolence may be posted below.