MARTIN, William (Bill)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 01/10/2006 William "Bill" Martin, 77, died at the White Mountain Regional Medical Center, Springerville, Jan. 3, 2006. He was born Sept. 5, 1928 in Alanreed, Texas. Bill was an ordained Baptist minister. He loved preaching and teaching the Word of God and pastored many churches over the years. Many were poor churches so to pay the bills, Bill worked as a security officer for Motorola for many years. Bill was a good neighbor. He was a skilled metal craftsman. His farm animals, made from farm implements and other tools, grace the yards of many friends and customers all over the Southwest. He was an avid reader and especially liked western books. He played bass guitar and liked to sing. In high school he was a Golden Glove boxer. His survivors include his wife Violet Martin, Coyote Creek, N.M.; sons Emmett (Linda) Martin, Florida, Jerry (Bonnie) Martin, Scottsdale, Michael (Debbie) Martin, Mesa; daughters Louise (Mac) Graham, Montana, Debbie Campbell, Williams, Denise (Mark) Larson, Tempe, and Michelle (Rye) Sluiter, Eagar; sisters Pauline, Lorene and Edith; and brothers Carl and Wayne. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. His parents and one brother preceded him in death. A memorial service was held for Bill at the First Assembly of God, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006 at 10 a.m. Burnham Mortuary was in charge of arrangements