Marty Pattin Obituary

LAWRENCE, KS – Former Major League Baseball pitcher, Martin William "Marty" Pattin, age 75 of Lawrence, Kansas and formerly of Charleston, entered his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 while at the home of a family friend. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, 2018 in Baker Gymnasium at the Charleston High School located at 1615 Lincoln Avenue. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in his honor be made to the Charleston High School - Marty Pattin Scholarship Fund or the Perry Lecompton High School - Marty Pattin Scholarship Fund in Perry, Kansas. Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas in the Naismith Room located on the 2nd Floor of the Allen Field House, 1651 Naismith Drive on the University of Kansas Campus.

Marty was born April 6, 1943 in Charleston, a son of the late Wayne and Mary (Roberts) Pattin. He married his high school sweetheart, Vera Replogle on March 27, 1964 in Charleston. They were married nearly 32 years before her death on January 8, 1996. He is survived by their two sons and six grandchildren; Jon Pattin (wife Pamela) and their children, Forrest Wilms and Carly and Grady Pattin of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jeff Pattin (wife Gina) and their children, Bailey, Blaine and Brock Pattin of Perry, Kansas. Marty later married Joy (Weatherwax) Jerrick in November of 2002 and she preceded him in death on July 17, 2009. He is also survived by two stepdaughters and six step-grandchildren; Jessica Jerrick (husband Russ Eisenman) and their children Davis, Meghan, Emme and Teddie Eisenman of San Francisco, California, and Jill Jerrick Bubenik (husband Brandon) and their children, Jack and Ryan Bubenik of Denver, Colorado. Marty is also survived by a sister, Charlotte Williamson of Grove Springs, Missouri; and two sisters-in-law and their families, Donna Cooper (husband Frank) of St. Petersburg, Florida and Ronda Lowell (husband Chuck) of Charleston. Marty was also preceded in death by a brother, Jerry "Chink" Pattin.

Marty's baseball career began with Charleston Little League baseball and continued through high school and college. He was an outstanding ball player, graduating from Charleston High School in 1961; and enjoyed a great amount of success as a pitcher for Eastern Illinois University, where he attained a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Industrial Technology. It was on to the big leagues after being drafted in 1965 by the California Angels. He went on to pitch for the Seattle Pilots in 1969 which became the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970, and in 1971 was named to the All-Star team. At the end of the season he was traded to the Boston Red Sox and in 1974 was traded to the Kansas City Royals where he would finish out his career as a starting and relief pitcher. Marty pitched his final game for the Royals in the 1980 World Series. Marty's playing career was over but his dedication to the game was not. He became the head baseball coach at the University of Kansas in 1982 and for the next 5 years shared his love for the game and was a mentor for many young athletes. Throughout his career he enjoyed many accomplishments and successes. He was proud to be inducted into the EIU Hall of Fame, but perhaps was most proud when the Charleston High School baseball field was renamed the Marty Pattin Field in his honor.

Marty loved Charleston and the support he always felt from its residents. He continued to call Charleston home throughout his major league career and didn't leave until he accepted the position at the University of Kansas. Marty still returned home to Charleston at every opportunity. Marty was genuine, always gracious and generous and it was truly pleasant to be in his company. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and pheasant hunting with his many friends; always enjoyed attending Royals baseball games, and loved animals, especially the family dogs. Marty enjoyed bringing a smile to others and was nicknamed "The Duck" as he often entertained with his Donald Duck impressions. Marty was always devoted to his family and remained close to his children and grandchildren, often attending his grandchildren's activities as their biggest supporter.

Marty's inspiring legacy to a younger generation will be one of dedication, hard work, perseverance, and appreciation of others. Marty was dearly loved by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed.

Marty's memorial website is available at www.adamsfuneralchapel.com.