<http://www.carmitimes.com> Carmi Times Posted Apr 30, 2012 @ 04:00 PM Chokoloskee, Fla. - Ralph Martin, 76, Chokoloskee, Fla., passed away at his son Chad Martin's residence in West Palm Beach, Fla. Thursday, April 26, 2012. Ralph was born April 4, 1963 in LaPlata, Mo. the son of Dannie F. and Mildred Martin. Ralph lived most of his early years in Carmi and graduated from Carmi Township High School in 1954. Ralph's father, Dannie, was a lifelong minister and served the First Christian Church in Carmi for many years. Mildred was a gifted piano player and teacher. Both parents preceded Ralph in death. Ralph taught school at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn for 36 years. Upon his retirement from teaching, Ralph spent much of his time in Florida, but also traveled a great deal. He was an avid fisherman and tennis player. Ralph passed away of advanced cancer and was receiving treatment in North Carolina and Florida, but never suffered and enjoyed fishing until his final days, enjoying a decent quality of life throughout. Ralph is survived by his wife, Sharon Dunlap-Martin, daughter of Russell Dunlap and Waneta Hardacre-Dunlap of Bridgeport; one son, Chad, and his wife, Lara of Florida; one daughter, Tatia Martin-Zak and husband Bill of Georgia; three grandchildren, Tyler Zak, Ryan Zak and Kyle Garrett Martin. Private family services will be held in West Palm Beach, Fla. Ralph's wishes for his final resting places will be his favorite fishing spot in the Everglades and the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that all donations be sent in Ralph's name to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL, 33407. Ralph Martin, 76, Chokoloskee, Fla., passed away at his son Chad Martin's residence in West Palm Beach, Fla. Thursday, April 26, 2012. Ralph was born April 4, 1963 in LaPlata, Mo. the son of Dannie F. and Mildred Martin. Ralph lived most of his early years in Carmi and graduated from Carmi Township High School in 1954. Ralph's father, Dannie, was a lifelong minister and served the First Christian Church in Carmi for many years. Mildred was a gifted piano player and teacher. Both parents preceded Ralph in death. Ralph taught school at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn for 36 years. Upon his retirement from teaching, Ralph spent much of his time in Florida, but also traveled a great deal. He was an avid fisherman and tennis player. Ralph passed away of advanced cancer and was receiving treatment in North Carolina and Florida, but never suffered and enjoyed fishing until his final days, enjoying a decent quality of life throughout. Ralph is survived by his wife, Sharon Dunlap-Martin, daughter of Russell Dunlap and Waneta Hardacre-Dunlap of Bridgeport; one son, Chad, and his wife, Lara of Florida; one daughter, Tatia Martin-Zak and husband Bill of Georgia; three grandchildren, Tyler Zak, Ryan Zak and Kyle Garrett Martin. Private family services will be held in West Palm Beach, Fla. Ralph's wishes for his final resting places will be his favorite fishing spot in the Everglades and the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that all donations be sent in Ralph's name to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL, 33407.