Martin "Mart" G. Lydon

Martin "Mart" Gordon Lydon, 63, of Orangeville, IL, completed his life on earth, Sunday, August 14, 2016, in Monroe Hospital, Monroe, WI. He was surrounded by those that loved him dearly. Mart was born October 23, 1952 in Greenfield, IA, the only son of eight children, born to Martin Edwin and Agnes Mary (Eagan) Lydon. He was a 1971 graduate of Greenfield High School, Greenfield, IA. Mart graduated from Highland Community College, Freeport, IL, in 1973. Mart was formerly employed by Kelly Springfield Tire Company, Freeport, IL, for over 24 years, retiring in 2008. In his early years, Mart was a skilled carpenter. Mart was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a true conservationist, who had a great appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors. ?Mart's love ?for music was second to none. He enjoyed playing and writing music with the "guys." ?? ?Though Mart never learned to read music, he could play by ear and his talent was astounding. ? The apples of Mart's eye were his grandchildren, and he was completely involved in their lives. Mart attended as many sporting and school events, as possible. ?He taught his grandchildren life skills, such as hunting, fishing, land preservation, carpentry, morals and ethics. Mart married his soulmate, Cathryn Hartman, on May 19, 2007. They spent six wonderful years together traveling, birding, hiking and advocating for land pres?er?vation. Cathy preceded him in death on October 6, 2013. In a twist of fate, Mart was blessed, a second time, and fell in love with Stevie Conlon, whom he married on July 21, 2016. Though the time they spent together was short, Mart and Stevie were inseparable. We are just a living legacy to the Leader of the Band. Mart is survived by his wife, Stevie Lydon of Orangeville, IL; two daughters, Angela Lydon (Matthew) Strand of South Beloit, IL and Libby Rhodes of Orangeville, IL; five grandchildren, Hunter, Hudson, Madyson, Taylor, and Tyler; six sisters, Colleen (Bill) Gift of Freeport, IL, Jean (Jerry) Kranzler of Urbandale, IA, Ann (Drew) Munch of Traverse City, MI, Michol Beth Lydon of Lawrence, KS, Linda (Glen) Sisco of Lander, WY and Janet (Bob) D?yer? of Toledo, OH; three step-children, Skyler, Paden and Riley; 13 nieces and nephews; mother of his children, Roz?alyn? Rowley; very special friends, Ron and Carol Lower; last but not least, his absolute best friend, who?m ? he spent every moment of every day with, his dog, Paddy. ?He was predeceased by his ? grandparents, parents and infant sister, J?ane Ann? Lydon.? ?The family would like to thank Dr. Eastman and staff at UW Johnson Creek and Dr. Martin Cleary at Family Health Lafayette County?,? for the wonderful care given to him. Very special thanks to the doctors, nurses and entire staff at Monroe Hospital for the utmost love, kindness and compassion given to Mart and his family. Funeral services for Mart will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2016 in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N. Walnut Ave. Freeport, IL 61032. Visitation will be from 4-8pm Friday, at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the Cathryn Hartman-Lydon Natural Prairie Restoration Project and Wildlife Sancutuary. "St. Fransis Assisi please watch over us."?