Maurice E. Martin

Maurice “Maury” Edward Martin, 94, of Cambridge, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Hammond Henry Hospital – Long Term Care Unit, Geneseo.  Cremation rites have been accorded and per the family’s wishes - services will be held privately at a later date. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, please go out and brighten a child’s day by taking them golfing, fishing, or to an Iowa Hawkeyes game!  GO HAWKS!  Donations can be sent to Vandemore Funeral Homes in Geneseo, IL, in c/o the family to be distributed to local organizations.

Maurice was born to Bert and Frances Martin on July 7, 1928, in West Branch, Iowa.  He was the youngest of seven children and spent his childhood on Iowa farms.  He met the love of his life, Gladys Topinka, in 1946 on a blind date, and they later married in November of 1949.  He graduated from Iowa University High School and attended the University of Iowa.  He was employed as manager of Imperial Oil Company in the early 50s, and then went to work for Farm Service Company (FS) in 1958.  Maury was a Manager of several FS companies in Winterset, IA and Henry Service Company in Cambridge, IL.  He became Regional Manager of Northern Iowa for Growmark (FS) in 1980.  Maury contributed his time to many organizations, including as president of the Valley View Country Club Board, president of the Henry County Historical Society, president of the Cambridge Academic Foundation (in which he was a charter member), and on the Cambridge Village Board.  He was most proud of serving as president of the Board of Directors of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.  Maury loved telling jokes and spending time with the Cambridge Coffee group.  Maury never knew a stranger. 

In his retirement he enjoyed golf, volunteering, fishing, woodworking, and spending time watching his grandchildren in sports. Most of all he enjoyed life with Gladys for 73 years. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Gladys; sons Michael (Nancy) Martin, Sun City West, AZ, and Gary “Skinner” Martin, North Liberty, IA; daughter Vicki (Tom) Walker, Coal Valley, IL;  grandchildren Amy Martin, Trevor Walker, Hillary (Richard) Walker-Bassford, Courtney (Rocky) Requeno, and Austin (Gloriann) Martin; great grandchild Brady Walker, upcoming great grandchild baby Requeno, several other great grandchildren, and several grand dogs.

The family would like to thank Dr. Maxhn McCaw, Compassus Hospice, Hammond Henry Long Term Care and its devoted nurses, staff, kitchen staff, and especially Luna, the therapy dog.