Martin P. Holford, known to most as “Marty”, 66, of Kirkwood, IL passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, IL.
Marty was born September 24, 1959, in Monmouth, IL, the son of David Martin and Doris Mae (Warner) Holford. He was raised and educated in Kirkwood, graduating from Yorkwood High School in 1977. He later went to Auto Mechanics School in Kansas City, KS.
Marty was a GM Certified Motor Technician, a Certified Computer Technician, and was the Service Manager at Prince Motors in Monmouth for 17 years. He also worked for Deery Brothers in Burlington, IA, DJ’s Brake and Alignment, and later Morrison Mechanics, both in Monmouth, before retiring in 2025.
He was a man of few words, but with a wealth of knowledge that he willingly shared when asked.
Marty spent his days working on cars, but to call him a mechanic only tells half the story. To anyone who had the opportunity to have him work on their vehicles through the years, he was more like a car doctor. He listened to engines the way a physician listens to a heartbeat. He diagnosed problems with patience, fixed what was broken with skill, and sent people back on the road feeling cared for. His reputation as a well-known, trusted mechanic was earned one honest repair at a time.
When he wasn’t under a hood, Marty was building. He rebuilt his 1973 Plymouth Scamp and loved taking it to the drag races. Even his initial “MPH” was meant for speed and ingenuity. He enjoyed building computers for co-workers and friends, machines he promised would “last a lifetime.” He meant it. He chose every part with thoughtfulness, wanting happiness for others. Many of those computers, like the cars he tended, are still running today.
Marty’s wisdom lived in the details. He believed in doing a job right, in showing up, and in letting your work speak for you. He didn’t need the spotlight. The gratitude of a neighbor whose car started on a cold morning, or a friend whose computer finally stopped crashing, was enough.
He is survived by his brother, Steve Holford, and sister, Janet (Jim) Cook; nieces and nephews, Jason Cook, DJ Cook, Steve Cross, Kristal Holford, Jennifer Morrison, Danielle Morrison, and Joshua Foust; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and by a community of drivers, builders, and friends who were lucky enough to know his quiet care.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David M. Holford and Doris M. (Warner-Holford) Sanberg; his fiancé, Mary Foust, and his step-father, Glenn Sanberg.
As per Marty’s wishes, cremation has been accorded. No services will be held. In Marty’s honor, the family asks that you help a neighbor with a car repair, teach someone how to build something that lasts, or simply take the time to listen before you speak — all things Marty did every day. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
