Roy Dale Martin

Roy Dale Martin, 65, of Benton went peacefully to be with the Lord on Sunday Oct. 29th, 2017. He was born October 31, 1951 in Benton, Arkansas at the family home on Martin Street to Roy Matthew and Myrtice Loretta Harvey Martin. The Sunday after his birth he was taken to First Baptist Church of Benton where he was enrolled in the cradle roll of the church. For the next twelve years, his Mother made sure he didn't miss a Sunday School. Dale graduated from Benton High School in 1969 and from Ouachita Baptist University in May, 1974. He received his graduate degree from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1978 and did work towards his Doctorate in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University. In 1980 he accepted the Dean of Student Development at Texas Lutheran College (now university). He also served as Dean of Students at Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls, Texas) and later retiring as Dean of Student Development at Eureka College (IL) in 2000. In his some twenty years as Dean, R. Dale Martin coordinated the awarding of hundreds of scholarships for deserving students. Dale's death comes after a long battle with Crohn's Disease and Advanced Kidney Disease for much of his adult life. Dale is survived by two sons, Brandon Matthew Isaac Martin (Jenny) of Hudson, Ill. and Christopher Andrew Martin (Haley) of Dubuque, Iowa; two step-children, Lisa Fritz (Brian) of Warrenville, Ill. and Robbie Axsom (Miranda) of Washington, Ill.; brother, Fred Martin (Doni) of Corning; sisters, Shirlene Levart (Russell) and Shelia Jackson (Warren) both of Benton. A number of nieces and nephews who were an important part of his life, Mark, Eric and Ken Chilton of Benton and Renee James, also of Benton, Rich Martin of Corning, Mylea Martin White of Corning, Corley Martin of Jonesboro, Connie Neal and Shannon Jackson of Alexander. Also surviving were his many beloved grandchildren and Buddy, his constant companion and prized Black Lab. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 1st 2017 from 10-11 a.m. at Ashby Funeral Home. Chapel services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ashbys with burial to follow at Lee Cemetery beside his Mother and Father, a fourth generation burial site. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.