William Harry Martin

William Harry Martin was born October 10, 1932, in a big brick house in Booneville, Missouri. He left to Heaven on December 27th, 2017 in Kennewick, Washington. Beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, loyal friend. "Bill" lived a very full and wonderful life. He grew up to be a great man, so smart and wise and so selfless. Bill served our country in the US Army Coast Artillery until he focused his attention on raising a family and pursuing his studies. He graduated from the University of Missouri where he earned Bachelor's degrees in civil and electrical engineering. Bill worked for Martin Marritetta, McDonnell Douglas, NASA, and the United States Department of Energy as a systems engineer. He was an experienced pilot and flew for the Civil Air Patrol of Washington State. He survived a plane crash with a dear friend, yet never lost his love for flying. He was a great golfer, a huge fan of soccer, and had a passion for music. He loved tinkering and he created many wonderful things with his brilliant mind. Despite his many accomplishments, Bill would never boast or brag; he was an incredibly humble man. His heart was so big, and he loved with every ounce of his soul. If there ever was a fantastic love story, it was the story of how William and his wife Juanita met. Just like out of the movies...they met in an airport in New Orleans and fell in love almost instantly. They were married within 6 months. Bill also fell in love with Costa Rica and its kind people when he met Juanita. This country became his second home. Bill and Juanita's love was, and continues to be, so pure and deep; it will live forever, it touched everyone who knew them. Above all else, William was most proud of his family. He was an amazing husband, Daddy, and Grandpa. We are so thankful for all the things he was to us all through the years, and the gifts he shared with the world through his many talents.William passed away peacefully in his home in Kennewick after living for several years with Parkinsons disease. He was surrounded by family.
We would like to take a moment to thank you all for your prayers. These truly have touched our hearts and we know that all those prayers lifted him up. Thank you to the incredible Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice care team. They helped him, and us, so very much. God bless these amazing and selfless souls for the gifts they share with the people and families in this stage of life. Thank you to Visiting Angels for coming to take care of William in the mornings...thank you for the gentle way in which you treated him. Thank you Father Richard Sedlacek, Monsenor Pedro Ramirez, and Father Jacob. And thank you to our cherished family and friends who provided so much comfort and support to William and us in this very difficult time. It is so uplifting to know he had many angels here on earth.
We are so grateful for our time together Papito, you will be forever in our hearts.
Willliam is now reunited with his beloved son, LtCol William David Martin, his dear mother, Mary Frances Coe, his father William Kingsbury Martin, and his dear mother-in-law Belen Garro Morales. Carrying on his legacy is his loving and devoted wife Juanita, his lovely daughters Dede Aubuchon and her husband Tim Aubuchon, Maria Belen Young and her husband Morgan Young, Ana Martin, widow of his late son William David, and his wonderful son Sebastian Martin. Grandchildren Kimberly Martin and family, Jamie Bolte and family, Melissa Lange and husband, Julie Martin, William, George, and Caden Martin, Fabricio Martin and Jayde Watson-Martin, and Damien, Lucia Grace, and Sophia Young. Also continuing to keep his memory alive are his dear and beloved family in Costa Rica and his treasured friends.
William's memorial service will take place Saturday, January 13th, 2018, at 12:30 in the afternoon at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 520 South Garfield Street, Kennewick, Washington 99336. A reception will follow.