Scott Martin, 79, passed away on February 11, 2026. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Scott built a life defined by dedication to family, education, and the simple joys that brought him happiness.

Scott attended Tarkio College, Wichita State University, Kansas State University and University of California, Irvine before beginning a distinguished academic career at the University of Illinois, Champaign. It was at Kansas State where he met Jeanne. They were married for 54 wonderful years, building a life grounded in love, partnership, and devotion to family.

He served as a professor of Food Science and Food Microbiology at the University of Illinois, where he spent many years teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to his field. Champaign, Illinois became the place where he not only worked, but also raised his family and built lifelong friendships.

Above all, Scott cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. After the birth of his first granddaughter, he and Jeanne began spending winters in Sugar Land, Texas, a place that became increasingly special to him. In 2023, Scott and Jeanne made Sugar Land their permanent home.

Scott is survived by his wife, Jeanne Martin; his son, Reid Martin, and daughter-in-law, Kristy Martin; his daughter, Laine Cipolla, and son-in-law, Chris Cipolla; and his treasured granddaughters, Chloe and Presley Cipolla, and Syndey Martin. Nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with them.

He had a deep appreciation for life’s quiet pleasures. Scott enjoyed tropical fish, gardening, playing Bridge with friends, golfing, and woodworking. Whether tending his garden, perfecting a woodworking project, texting his grandchildren, or cheering them on at their events, he found deep joy in staying engaged and involved in the lives he loved.

Scott will be remembered for his commitment to education, and the steady presence he provided to those who loved him. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped and the family he cherished.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Champaign this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity or organization that reminds you of Scott.