William Martin

William Martin was a man who could always be counted on, a man devoted to his job, his wife, and his family. William was a proud veteran, a member of our Greatest Generation, who served his country when it needed him most. More than anything, William was a good man, and to the people who knew him, he was simply the best of men.

William's story began on a cold December day in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1923, as the gifts were unwrapped and the year drew to a close. Those were good days in this country, as the Roaring Twenties really began to roar, and Prohibition was the law of the land. In the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Joseph and Velda (Hodges) Martin were preparing to celebrate more than the New Year, however. Little William was born on December 29, 1923, on a cold, snowy Saturday, the couple's first and only child. He would gain a half-brother later in life, however.

William was raised in charming college town of Ann Arbor, where he learned the value of hard work, and gained an education. William attended Ann Arbor High School, although like so many young men, his attention was drawn to the growing conflict around the globe.

Soon William was called to fight overseas, and proudly served in the U.S. Army from February 20, 1943, to October 28, 1945. William earned the rank of Private-First Class, and the military utilized him as a truck driver over some of the war's deadliest terrain. William served in Northern France, Normandy, Ardennes, the Rhineland and other parts of Central Europe, a dangerous assignment. For his bravery and service he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal, among others.

William's service toughened him, yet never hardened him. When he was discharged from duty, he returned home, back to Michigan, to claim his share of the American Dream he'd fought so hard for. He took a job at Rheem Manufacturing as a parts technician, which proved to be a lifelong career choice, as well as a fortunitous opportunity. Bill was offered a position when the company moved out of state, Bill decided family was more important than financial gain. He declined the opportunity and went to work for the Burroughs Company where he remained until his retirement. While at Rheem, William worked with a man named Clarence Wells, who took a liking to the polite, well-mannered William. Clarence recruited William to help him cut wood at his home one evening, where William was introduced to Clarence's daughter, Marjorie. The rest, as they say, is history, as the two young people hit it off, began dating, and soon fell in love.

William and Marjorie had a wonderful marriage, blessed with four wonderful children, Gayle, Rhonda, Patricia and Tony. William was a great family man, naturally, so devoted, loyal and loving. The family did much together, and often went camping and fishing, two of William's favorite pastimes. He was a great outdoorsman, but an even better family man.

Sadly, Marjorie died in 1988, but William's love for her lived on. Several years later, William found a special companion in the shape of a small puppy. He went and chose the puppy himself and named the little brown guy, Brownie. They were devoted to each other and were always at each other's side. In the last few months, Brownie brought William great comfort and peace.

Wiiliam died in Florida on July 16, 2006, and will be buried next to his beloved wife at Hillside Cemetery.

William was such a devoted, loyal man, committed to his family, and his country. He was a proud veteran, one of our Greatest Generation, who was always there when he was needed. What we all need now, is more men like William Martin. He will be greatly missed.

William Martin, age 83, died in Florida on July 16, 2006. He was born December 29, 1923, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Joseph & Velda (Hodges) Martin. William married Marjorie Wells, who preceded him in death. Learn more about William and visit with his family on Wednesday from 6-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams, where his service will be held on Wednesday at 2:30 PM, with military honors by VFW Post 3030. His family includes his children: Gayle & Jim Yant, Rhonda & Bobby Joiner, and Patricia & Mark Richardson all of Florida, and Tony Martin of Gobles; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Floyd Snyder of Howard City, Alan Snyder of White Cloud, and Linda Poterfield of Yuma. He was preceded in death by his parent and his siblings: Donna Jean Doxatater, Kenneth Snyder, and Pennie, Sherrie, and Douglas. Please visit William's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial donation.