Graveside services, with military honors by the U.S. Air Force, for William “Bill” A. Martin will be 10a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Woodlawn Cemetery, under the direction of MMS-Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A memorial service is scheduled for 1p.m. at Victory Christian Center in Tulsa. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 15 from 1pm—8pm. Family will receive visitors from 6pm—8pm. Bill passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at the age of 66.
William “Bill” A. Martin was born June 11, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri to William Andrew and Frances (Buck) Martin. Following his high school graduation, Bill attended pharmacy school. During this time he received a draft notice and decided to join the U.S. Air Force. He was a medic and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. On return from his military duties, Bill began classes with The Cleveland Clinic and after completing the required courses and testing; Bill became a physician’s assistant. Over the years he has worked in several different hospitals and was very successful at what he did. When he wasn’t hard at work Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved making and tending to his vegetable garden. Never one to just sit around, he always had a project going. Bill always gave the best of himself, even when his own health challenges made it difficult to do so; many people were recipients of his generosity. Bill married Debbie Dowell on March 17, 2000 and the couple made their home in Claremore.
Those family members that survive include his wife Debbie of the home; his children Judy Dunkin and husband Stacy of Porter, Zach Vierheller of Tulsa, Kassandra Jessica Smith and husband Shawn of Annandale, VA, Chandee Martin of Tulsa and Matt Martin and wife Teresa of Holly Springs, Mississippi; his grandchildren Thomas McKinney, Layne Cooper, Craig Pittman, Myrna Smith, Colin Martin, Amity Smith, Michael Vierheller, Brittany Vierheller and Ryus Cooper; his brother Kevin Martin and his sister Debbie Steadman. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.