Deston L. Martin

Deston  Laverne Martin, Sr., was born in Joliet, IL on September 17, 1958 to the union of Charles and Barbara Martin. He made his transition from life on April 27, 2024 with family and friends by his side. 

Deston was united in holy matrimony to Mary Martin and had two children to their union, Gemma Martin and Deston Martin, Jr.

Deston was a star athlete during his high school and college years. He attended Joliet Central High School and went on to receive a full scholarship at Western Illinois University. His biggest track and field accomplishments are in the triple jump and long jump. In the 6th grade he was the first and only 6th grader in the state of Illinois that was allowed to practice and compete with other athletes at the high school level. He still holds the 1975 triple jump record (46 feet and 1 inch) and 1976 long jump record (23 1/2 feet) at Joliet Central High School, Once graduating high school, he received an Associates Degree in Art and displayed his talent throughout the community doing signage for local businesses. He opened his own business, Martin’s Mobile Cleaning Service, and served a multitude of companies and government agencies in the Joliet and Chicago metropolitan area. The love he had for track and field was embedded in his heart.  Deston and his brothers started a track club called, The Joliet Sonic Track Club, where he coached many kids of the community, helping them receive scholarships and making sure they met their potential as athletes and college students. He loved volunteering and he did so at Joliet Central’s High School as a track coach, the Boys and Girls Club of Joliet, and the YMCA throughout his years. He also had a love for swimming where he taught swimming to a number of children and adults and was a lifeguard for several years. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing with his family and friends.

Deston was a man of service. He is known for always offering a helping hand when someone is in need, he was dedicated to sweat equity, and rarely asked for anything in return. He met no stranger and continued a relationship with countless number of friends from Junior High and High School.

Deston was preceded in the death by his mother, Barbara Stokes; and father, Charles Martin, Sr. 

Deston leaves to cherish his loving memories with his children Gemma Martin (James) and Deston Martin Jr,; his three siblings, Charles Martin Jr. (Maria), Stephen Martin (Theresa), and Cynthia Martin; eleven nieces and nephews: Angel Dickinson, Heaven Martin, Galaxy Martin (Erin), Stevie Martin, Stetson Martin (Stephanie), Sterling Martin, Wendell Alexander (Refah), Chanel Pinnick (Jason), Amber Pinnick, Bianca Pinnick, Shyann Pinnick; and one grandson, James Ryan Vaughn Jr. He leaves special friend, Venetia Rutledge; a countless number of classmates and a special cousin, Karla Martin-McCullum.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deston L. Martin, please visit our floral store.