Richard “Rick” Dean Martha, 76, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away April 19, 2026. He was born May 15, 1949, in DeKalb, the son of Bremmer and Harriett (Mosher) Martha. He graduated from DeKalb High School in 1967 and married Ruth Altom on May 24, 1975, in Harvey, Illinois.

Rick lived a life defined by service, faith, and integrity. He served in the United States Army from March 1969 to March 1971, including service in Vietnam, and was a proud member of his USNS Corpus Christi Bay Reunion Association.  In his teen years, he worked alongside his brothers at the DeKalb Ag. Rick was a 30-year letter carrier for the DeKalb Post Office, retiring in 2004.  

A devoted, lifelong member of First Baptist Church of DeKalb, Rick served faithfully in many roles, including sound technician, church historian, trustee, and custodian.  He took pride in hosting and producing WLBK’s “Sunday School of the Air,” for many years.  He also enjoyed fast-pitch softball, playing and managing the FBC team in the DeKalb-Sycamore church league.

It’s hard to say what Rick loved more…music or baseball.  A passionate music enthusiast, Rick had an incredible memory for songs and lyrics, particularly 60’s Rock & Roll.  He was an avid baseball fan, especially of the Chicago Cubs.  He knew random stats and info about players from every decade since the 50’s.  His family agrees that playing baseball at Littlejohn School, with all his brothers and Oak Drive neighborhood boys, were among his favorite memories.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ruth; daughter Karen (Saul) Berman of Claremont, CA; son Jeff of DeKalb; dear grandchildren Annie and Leo; beloved brothers Denny of DeKalb, Doug (Camille) of Sycamore, Greg (Chris) of Washington, IL, Gary of Greeneville, TN, and Mike (Vickie) of Greeneville, TN; nieces and nephews: Patti (Phil) Wojnicz, Doug, Jr. (Jessica), Andy, Teri, Brandon, Derek (Amber), Michael (Bobbie), and Cody, along with several great-nephews and nieces.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Kent.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, with Rev. Greg Martha officiating. Burial will follow at Afton Township Cemetery, with a luncheon immediately after at First Baptist Church of DeKalb, 349 S. Third St, DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of DeKalb, in care of Anderson Funeral Home.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.