Gilbert ‘Gib’ Martin

PRINCETON — Gilbert “Gib” E. Martin, 91, of Princeton passed away Friday, June 1, 2018, at the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle.

Gib was born Oct. 19, 1926, in Pueblo, Colo., to Cora Schenk Martin.

He graduated from Princeton High School and soon enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served our country from October 1944 to June 1946, and was most proud of his service on the USS Franklin. He was a survivor, along with the rest of the members of the 704 Club from the USS Franklin, which nearly sunk 50 miles from the main land of Japan in 1945.

He married Mary Stencel Aug. 19, 1979. Gib started his own carpet business, Martin Flooring Company in Princeton, and then sold real estate in the area until retiring.

He was a member of the 48+ Princeton Gun Club, the Princeton Moose Lodge, Princeton Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, Princeton American Legion, CV13 704 Club of USS Aircraft Carrier Franklin “Big Ben” and the Relator’s Association.

Gib is survived by his wife, Mary Stencel Martin, as well as daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Visitation for Gib will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at the Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton. Services will follow at 1 p.m. with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Internment will follow at at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials be directed to the American Legion in Princeton or the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.