Martin James Dann Jr.

WASHINGTON – Martin James Dann Jr., 76, of Washington, died at 10:55 pm Thursday, October 15, 2009 at his home. Born on February 11, 1933 in Westline, PA to Martin James and Margaruette Young Dann, he married Joyce L Stalker on April 24, 1954 in Bradford, PA. She survives. Also surviving are 5 children, Marcia (Russ) Heisel of Bloomington, Lori Gulley of Lacon, IL, Jim (Dana) Dann of Brownstown, IL, Jeff Dann (Dale Heuser) of Phoenix, AZ and Jonathan (Rebecca) Byler Dann of Washington, IL, 1 sister, Wilma Arnold of Pennsylvania, 8 Grandc hildren, Corey Heisel, Andrea (Todd) Banbury, Leah Hambleton, Thomas Kempf, Hannah Dann, Michael (Lindsey) Dann, and Soren and Stella Byler Dann, and 7 Great-Grandchildren, Kendra and Skyler Banbury, Rylan and Candence Hambleton, and Carson, Cayleb, and Cielyn Dann. He was preceded in death by 1 grandson, Joshua Bruce Kempf, 2 sisters, Eleanora Milbourne, Loretta Keeton, and Marie Chirillo, and 1 brother, Carlyle Dann. Martin was a US Army Korean War Veteran and a member of the 187th Regimental Combat Team. He was a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart and also received metals for Good Conduct, National Defense, Korean Service with 4 Battle Stars and 1 Arrowhead, a UN Service Award, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, and a Parachute Badge with 2 Combat Jump Stars. After attending leadership school, and jump school at Ft. Campbell, KY, Martin served as a Squad Leader, Corporal, and a Rakkasan, he survived 2 combat jumps and the winter of 1950-1951 in Korea, taking retirement from the Army in 1953. He obtained an Industrial Engineering certificate from Cornell University, and retired in 1990 as Executive Vice President of General Methods Corporation. Martin served as an officer in various community and professional organizations, including the Society of Industrial Engineers, Engineering Council, Industrial Corporation Board, Local and State Jaycees, and as the Secretary/Treasurer and Chaplain of the Lester Hammond Jr. Chapter of Rakkasans. He also served as a Scoutmaster and as the President of the District #51 School Board in Washington for 6 years. He was a member of the Highview Christian Church in Washington, where he served as an Elder and Church Board member for many years. Services will be at 11 am Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at Highview Christian Church in Washington. Pastor Mark Westman will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Monday, October 19, 2009 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, with additional visitation from 10-11 am Tuesday at the church. Military rites will be conducted by the US Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Martin James Dann Jr.

February 11, 1933 - October 15, 2009