William Edward Martin's Obituary
William Edward Martin, 91, of Clearwater, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017 under Hospice care. Born in Champaign, IL June 24, 1926. In World War II he went overseas in December of 1944 at 18 years of age and joined the 84th Infantry "Railsplitters" Division as a Rifleman during the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes in Belgium. He continued in combat until his Division met the Russians at the Elbe River, 50 miles from Berlin.
He occupied Germany until June of 1946 and returned home being discharged with the rank of First Sgt. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, three battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Bronze Star.
He worked for 32 years at Honeywell in Clearwater, in Procurement Management after graduating from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. degree in Economics. He was a member of MINNREG and was an active 50 year member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Clearwater. Bill enjoyed volunteering for many years for the Food Bank of Religious Community Services. He was an avid golfer and played twice a week at a local course until recent years.
Bill is survived by his wife, Dorothy of 64 years, Four children, Billy (Missy), Nancy Olson (Jim), Suzanne Bryant (Michael), David; 6 grandchildren, Andrew Martin, Kristopher Bryant, Nicole Olson, Ryan Olson, Breana Bryant, Samantha Martin and a great-grandson, Monroe Martin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice, R.C.S. or St. Mark Lutheran Church.
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