Long-time Watseka orthodontist and friend to many...Dr. John Martin... has died. The popular, always-smiling “Dr. John” lost his 30-plus year battle with cancer Wednesday. He died at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee.

Dr, John was always smiling, always encouraging others despite his own health issues. Friends and family always noticed his zest for life, his practical jokes, and a his reminder to so many people that “once a neighbor, always a neighbor’ and “friends and family are price-less.”

Dr. John practiced in Watseka for over 47 years, reaching out to over 70,000 people with his professional service and that beaming smile.

94.1 WGFA