BENTON – Martin Joe Kathalynas II, age 34, of Benton, IL, passed away at his home on Monday, July 8, 2024.

Marty was born on October 18, 1989, in Herrin, IL; the son of Martin Joe Kathalynas and Crystal (Ferketich) Kathalynas.

He was a Benton Consolidated High School Graduate of 2008.

Marty worked as a Sequencing Manager at Continental Tire of Mt. Vernon, IL. He was also a member of Rend Lake Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M. of Sesser, IL.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and his grandpa. He and his daughter enjoyed cooking together. He also enjoyed operating heavy equipment.

Surviving is his loving daughter, Raelyn Kathalynas of Benton, IL; his loving parents, Cris Doxsie and husband Jeff of Benton, IL, Martin Joe Kathalynas and wife Rhonda of Benton, IL; a sister, Nichole Conaway of Canton, TX; step-siblings Steven Frey of Indianapolis, IN, Brittney Doxsie of Marion, IL; maternal grandmother, Lillian Ferketich of West Frankfort, IL; paternal step-grandmother, Linda White of West Frankfort, IL; Raelyn’s mother, Rachel Smith of Christopher, IL; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sue and Gene Kathalynas; maternal grandfather, John Ferketich; paternal step-grandfather, Royce White; and a sister, Felicia Doll.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bill Hottensen officiating, with burial to follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home. Masonic Rites will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, prior to the funeral.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made in memory of Marty, to the STL Cure Sarcoma, P.O. Box 1703, Benton, IL 62812, stlcuresarcoma.org, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Marty, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.