Martin E. "Marty" Wilson

Martin E. " Marty" Wilson Canton - Martin E. "Marty" Wilson, 82, of Canton, fierce cancer warrior, "skidded broadside into Heaven in a cloud of smoke" Monday, October 25, 2021 to join his brother Jesse Glenn. He was born on February 17, 1939, in Canton, to Eugene Henry and Margaret (Gibbons) Wilson. He married Debra (Ellsworth) Sayers on August 15, 1987. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter Debra (John) Winstead of Knoxville, two sons; Martin Jr. of Texas and Kevin Wilson of Macomb, one step-daughter Amanda Sutton of Springfield, sister Patricia (Vern) Davis of Monmouth, and four grandchildren. Marty attended Spoon River College, Illinois Central College, and Western Illinois University. He was employed by Navistar for 21 years and retired from the City of Canton. In his later years he was self-employed. Marty had many talents and interests, combined with boundless energy and curiosity. He could grow anything and repair everything. There is no way to measure how much he was loved, but if there was, he'd probably have the tool for it. He loved his truck and his mower and had every tool imaginable - somewhere. During his 15-year battle with multiple cancers, h...[more]

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xhibited bravery and strength beyond measure. He taught us to make a plan and stick to it, be early for everything, and his favorite motto "Everything is doable." His outgoing personality and megawatt smile lit up a room. We did not lose him - God just placed him elsewhere. The family wishes to thank HSHS Home Care and Hospice of Springfield for making his wish to return home to Canton a reality and to OSF Hospice of Peoria for helping us keep him at home. Memorials may be made to them or Fulton County Humane Society in memory of his Maine Coones; Mickey and Prudie. Out of concern for the health of family and friends during this pandemic, there will be no visitation. Private graveside services will be held. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton are in charge of arrangements. Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaim what a ride! ~ Hunter S. Thompson. To leave online condolences please visit www.oakhinesfuneralhome.com.