Alan Martin

Alan Lloyd Martin, 71, passed away September 23, 2022. He was born August 22, 1951 to Willis and Alethea (Bollenbacher) Martin.
He was raised on a successful dairy and crop farm in Bryant and was the oldest of six (mostly skinnier, but loved) brothers. He attended Ball State University where he excelled in mathematics –  although earning an honorary degree in card sharking with the Swinford (dormitory) Shufflers, paying dividends throughout his life dominating friends and relatives in pinochle and euchre. He married his South Adams Starfire sweetheart Abbey Hilty on December 30, 1972, and went on to build a successful career at All-American Homes for more than 30 years. A “servant leader” before it was a term, “Al” was respected and admired by those who worked for and around him — building lifelong relationships.
A good and faithful servant of God, he (with Abbey) was an active member of St. Mark’s United Methodist in Decatur for nearly 45 years — serving in various leadership capacities but most prominently known as “the sound guy” and current nominee for the St. Mark’s Usher Hall of Fame. Beyond his family, profession and faith, he was a championship softball and baseball coach (Orioles over Indians; ‘86 and ‘92), an avid boater and fisherman at Camp Withers, jigsaw puzzler, board game and card player (see above), a loyal Cubs and IU fan and fervent connoisseur of sugary confections.
While his death was sudden, he was an “overcomer” and truly lived until he died. Given three days to live with spinal meningitis in 1963, Alan lived a full life – especially in his last decade: following his talented and athletic grandchildren, fishing and boating, supporting the Cubs to a World Series championship and traveling across the country. All of this while overcoming physical- and mental-health challenges; most recently kicking Parkinson’s ass with his fellow classmates at Rock Steady boxing in Bluffton – extending and enhancing his quality of life, while again building lifelong friendships (even if he was often loudly, but lovingly, “encouraged” during his workouts).
He is survived by his mother; wife, Abbey; two sons, Kyle (Kara) Martin of Decatur and David (Regina) Martin of Winamac; daughter, Alyssa (Raleigh) Bonte of Fort Wayne; brothers, Doyle, Bob, Dwight and Brad; and seven grandchildren, Keagan, Kinley, Hutch, Reese, Kip, Tess and Charly (collectively known as “the circus”).
He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Randy.
To celebrate a life incredibly well lived, visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 27 at Haggard-Hirschy and Zelt Funeral Home, 225 W. Adams St., Decatur, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service Wednesday, September 28 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 546 U.S. 224, Decatur.
Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to Rock Steady Boxing through Haggard-Hirschy and Zelt Funeral Home.