Martin C. “Marty” Utley, 82, of Peoria, passed away at 3:59 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2012, at home, with his family by his side. A Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at St. Philomena Parish, with Fr. David P. Richardson as celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon. Memorial contributions may be made in Marty’s memory to St. Philomena Parish. Marty was born in Flint, MI on August 12, 1929, the son of Lewis Clare and Gladys J. (Sauve) Utley. They preceded him in death, along with his sister, Deeon Tucker. He married Helen Louise Brant on November 3, 1951 at Immaculate Conception Church in Mattoon. She survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Mary Helaine (Marshall) Madole of Del City, OK and Tina Louise (David) Nydam of Merrillville, IN; and grandchildren, Brant Utley, Emily Nydam, Katy Nydam and Alyssa (Trevor) Majors. Marty retired in 1990 as a Quality Control Supervisor for Young Radiator’s Mattoon and Lexington, TN facilities. He was a U.S. Navy Korean War Veteran and member of St. Philomena Parish. He enjoyed gardening, reading Civil War books, listening to music of the 1940s and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria.
| Cheri Mills |
Friend of Granddaughter Katy |
January 16, 2012 |
My deepest sympathy to your family for your loss. How blessed Mr. Utley was to be surrounded by his loving family as he made his journey to be with our Lord. You are in my prayers that God will give you all comfort and peace as only he can.
Cheri Mills
| Bobby Piercy |
My night shift friend. |
January 15, 2012 |
Mrs. Utley,
I am a retired police officer, who met Marty on the night shift when he was working at the gas station at University and War Dr.
What strted out as a place to stop and grab a soda and get out of the car changed dramatically when I met your Marty. What a wonderful man, it seemed as though I had known Marty for years, after a few conversations.
It seemed we talked about many things, and we even smiled talking about Helen and Joyce, our wives, who enjoyed sun bathing.
I know you miss Marty, as I miss my Joyce who went to Heaven in 2009. I would like to share with you and your family my belief: "Those who know the Lord never say goodbye for the last time."
May God bless and keep you always,
Bobby Piercy
