John Thomas Martin

John Thomas Martin, 92, of Shelbyville, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin, surrounded by his loving family

He was born October 17, 1932, in Bloomington to Goldie and Hobart Canner. John’s mother, Goldie Owings, passed away when he was three years old, and he was adopted and raised by his aunt and uncle, Landon and Anna (Owings) Martin. On March 23, 1958, he married Mary Ellen Lancaster, and she preceded him in death on April 28, 2003.

John is survived by his daughters, Saundra Phillips Dern and husband, Marshall of Springfield, Illinois, Lisa Martin White of Carmel, and Jonetta “Joni” Phebus and significant other, Jim Kruse, of Chalmers; grandchildren, John Thomas Schaf and significant other, Linea, Melissa Haley, Ashlee Thompson and wife, Nicole, Dallas Phillips and wife, Heather, Brice Teter and wife, Jana, Adrian Rowley and husband, Matthew, Nathan Phebus and significant other, Meredith, Michael McClain, Stephanie Emery and husband, Ricky, Alexandria Acosta, and husband, Benny, and Ryland White; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and five nephews.

In addition to Mary Ellen, John was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Richard Dallas Phillips.

John was a 1950 graduate of Southport High School.

He was a US Army veteran, stationed in Germany. John was awarded the following honors Sharpshooter (Rifle), (Carbine) Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

John retired in 1990, from Indiana Bell/Ameritech now AT&T, with over 30 years of service.

He was a charter member of the Shelbyville Moose Lodge No. 2118, which started in 1974. John formerly served as the State President of the Indiana Moose Association in 1998. He received the Pilgrim degree in 1997.

John was also a member of Demolay, 50-year member of Southport Masonic Lodge F&AM, and the Murat Shrine and Indianapolis Scottish Rite since 1986.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Masonic ritual will begin at 1 pm, Thursday, followed by the Moose and funeral services.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville, with military graveside rites conducted by the local military committee.

Immediately following the graveside there will be a Celebration of John’s Life at the Shelbyville Moose Lodge.

Memorial contributions may be made to Moose Charities, 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, Illinois, 60539-1100.

Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.