It has long been surmised that since the introduction of the human species to the only blue planet in our solar system, the seeds first planted would not remain sedentary and would eventually join and flourish with teachers, of their own kind, who would spread the word of their creator. A variety of interpretations would challenge the many preachers, ministers, pastors, and other clergymen as to the validity of scripture, but to the truest of believers, it is clear in John 3:16. These teachers of the word have always been essential in the deliverance of the accounts of good vs evil, right from wrong, and strong moral lessons that can carry one safely to their last day regardless of their denomination. 

When Ronald R. Martz came into this world, he followed his familiar sidekick and long-time roommate mate—his older identical twin brother Don, by two minutes. They were born at Pana Christian Hospital in Pana, Illinois on April 2, 1958, to Beverly and Jerry Martz, a hard-working young couple of the First United Methodist faith, who would raise livestock of every description and tally some light crop farming 10 miles south of Shelbyville near Lakewood, Illinois. Dad also worked as a machinist at the Decatur Caterpillar Plant, and Mom worked as a C N A in Shelbyville. It should probably go without saying that the boys knew early what responsibility, long hours, sweat, and earned reward were all about. There was always something to do. Sister Kelly was born in 1963, and Brad in 1965. 

Early on in school, Ron would discover his athletic abilities were much better than average, and as a Ram at Shelbyville High, he excelled in many sports arenas with exceptional foot speed, and a strong arm from center field with proper natural wide receiver abilities to boot. It also did not hurt that he was in the top ten of his class academically and carried a more than respectable high grade average on graduation in 1976. When Ron was 15, his good friend and pastor of Lakewood United Methodist Church, Marlin Miller, encouraged him to start preaching, and he became a licensed lay speaker at age 17, which helped guide Ron to the ministry. 

Before graduating from Shelbyville, he worked as a carpenter for three summers and at Wilson Ford as a mechanic for two years with aspirations of someday being one of a crew on the NASCAR racing circuit. But, in this chapter of his life, Ron, like so many other young hopefuls, could feel a gentle pull from the early virtuous teachings of his parents, clergy, and friends, with a sense of direction and purpose on the path that stretched out before him. He spent one semester at Lakeland Junior College in Mattoon, then transferred to McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, where he made the Dean’s list with a 3.85 GPA and secured a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion from 1977 to 1980, and then he attended the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary from 1980-81.

During this period, he met Miss Tracy Snyder at McKendree College, who later became a school teacher with a Bachelor’s in English and later a Master’s in Curriculum Development at Olivet Nazarene. She was a Youth Choir Director over 75 teenagers and possessed a beautiful voice of her own, one that would capture his heart and allegiance. They were married on December 27, 1980. 

In 1981, he transferred to Mid- Western Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated from there in 1985 with a Master’s in Divinity. He then became Youth and Education Director at Leavenworth Baptist Church in Leavenworth, Kansas, for two years and was then appointed as associate Pastor at St. Matthew’s First United Methodist Church in Belleville, Illinois for 15 years. He was appointed pastor at Eureka First United Methodist Church for 12 years and lastly appointed pastor of The First United Methodist Church in Chillicothe for the last 12 years up to this July 2025. 

Ron and Tracy have four children. —Ashleigh, a LT Commander in the U S Navy with 18 years service and a Masters Degree, who joined up because of 911; Lindsay, who has a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana Wesleyan; Natalie, a police officer in Tremont, Illinois and a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana Wesleyan and Nursing Degree from Washington University in St Louis; and son Jonah Martz, who works as a Parts Manager at John Deere in Brimfeild, Illinois. 

When I sat down with Ron, he let me know early on that being a teacher of the word someday as he grew was a very distant and an unlikely out come for him because there were so many other possibilities and opportunities, but as time and patience often collide with necessity, the picture became more and more clear. 

When Pastor Ron Martz reached Chillicothe, he remarked that coming to Chillicothe was like coming home, and when asked what he liked best about our town, he said it has to be the people. Good friends and mentors Dick Howarth and Ray Harrison were very helpful when needed and Ray helped him become a Chillicothe Fire Fighter. Also, when Ray stepped down as the Fire Department Chaplain, Ron filled that void for eight years and loves it. After a promotion, Ron also currently holds the position of engineer. 

“Earth Angels in Uniform. When something tragic happens, you’ll always find them there, this special group in uniform, with which none can compare.”

– Patricia Capansky

The Pastor and the firefighter both can serve and save. So, Ron Martz, who could have endeavored in many respectable and gratifying occupations in his life, has really covered all the bases with his choice to minister and serve. Although his path was long and winding, it is true to his faith, and our town will always welcome those of his caliber and sincerity as part of our company of varied denominations. There have been and always will be hometown heroes in Chillicothe of different walks, occupations, and statures, and now 12-year resident and Pastor of The First United Methodist Church of Chillicothe, Ron Martz, joins those ranks. Welcome home, neighbor!