Derrick D. Martin, age 38, went home to be with our Lord on Friday, September 9, 2016. Beloved father, brother, nephew and friend to so many. He was born on September 4 ^th 1978 in Racine, WI to Arnold aka Mickey and Julie Ann (nee: Hunter) Martin. His mother Julie Ann, baby brother Collin and his grandmother Emma "Ruth" Nunn lives were claimed in a fatal car accident in 1982 when he was the delicate age of two and one half years old that left him behind to be raised by his father Arnold "Mickey" Van Martin, who precede him and his aunt and uncle Earlene and Wesley Egerson. Derrick attended St. Paul Baptist Church with his father.

After his father went home to be with the Lord in 2005 Derrick was left alone to run the multiple family businesses at a young age along with his cousins, Romayne Wilson, Stanley Egerson, Keith Briscoe and uncle, Frank Martin.

Derrick was an avid race car driver and owned several race cars. In his free time he loves golfing and spending time with his children. Derrick was a natural charmer, his smile lit up the room when he arrived and his laughter filled it too. Not to mention he was a savvy business man. He enjoyed being around family and friends and had a big heart.

He is survived by his long time Fiancée' Lisa Escamilla, daughter Julianna Martin, Son Denaley Martin, daughter Delaney Martin, daughter Cierra Peterik and stepson JC Butler all of Racine, WI; sister Patricia, brother-in-law Martin, nieces Jalaihia, Brittany, Telihia Tyson all of Talyor, MS and maternal grandfather Colvin Nunn of Racine, WI. Derrick leaves to cherish his memory a host of special aunts, Earlie Mae Briscoe, Earlene Egerson, Bernice Wilson, and Carlene Smith, special uncles Zannie Martin and David (Gene) Wilson and Frank Martin, his many cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Derrick was preceded in death by his dearly loved parents Arnold "Mickey" Van and Julie Ann Martin, Stepmother Mary Ann Martin (nee: Buckley), brother Collin E. Martin, paternal grandparents Mae Etta and Kermit Martin; maternal grandmother Emma "Ruth" Nunn and several other uncles and aunts.

Celebration of Derrick's life will be held on Friday, September 16 ^th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street. Pastor Bishop Lawrence Kirby will be officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The Homegoing Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Racine community for the support they have shown Derrick over the years. Derrick will be deeply missed by all!

Memorial Suggestions

Services: Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11:00 in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street

Burial: Graceland Cemetery

Visitation: 10:00 – 11:00 am at St. Paul Baptist Church

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