Bill Martin

William G. “Bill” Martin, 86, of Peoria, passed away at 9:54 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at Rosewood Care Center in Peoria.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2011, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue in Peoria, with Pastor Scot M. Shelburne officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Bill was born on July 19, 1925 in Peoria, a son of Howard G. and Clara B. (Facker) Martin. They preceded him in death, along with his sister, Lois Knoll. He married Lois D. Hamilton on August 24, 1957 in Chicago. She survives.
He is also survived by his children, Stephen R. (Deborah) Martin of Ottawa, Robert E. (Cecilia) Martin of Peoria Heights, Debra R. Clendenen of Pekin and James W. (Judith) Martin of Washington; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; four nieces; and one nephew.
In 1983, Bill retired as a repairman from Illinois Bell, after thirty-seven years of service and never missed work. He was a lifetime member of the Illinois Bell Pioneer Club.
He was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, serving as a tugboat operator at Pearl Harbor from 1943 - 1946.
Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, skeet shooting, watching eagles along the Illinois River, watching golf and collecting stamps and coins. Family get-togethers, holidays and birthdays were the most important things to him. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and reminiscing with friends.
His last birthday was on July 19 ^th of this year and was extremely important. He said it was the best party ever.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Salvation Army.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill Martin, please visit our floral store.