Obituaries

William L. "Bill" Martin

William L. "Bill" Martin, 85, of Monett, Mo., passed away on Sunday evening, January 22, 2017 while at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Mo. Visitation will be held at Buchanan Funeral Home on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., immediately following the visitation with Dr. Bill Cox officiating. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Bentonville City Cemetery at 400 SW "F" Street in Bentonville, Ark. Bill was born in Rogers, AR to Lee and Veda (McFadden) Martin on November 23, 1931 and graduated from Rogers High School in 1947. Bill furthered his education by attending the University of Arkansas and then graduated from Drury University. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was discharged at the rank of Sgt. First Class. During his career, Bill worked for over 20 years at GMAC before his acquisition of a dealership in Monett, which started Bill Martin Chevrolet, of which he owned and operated for over 35 years. Following his retirement, Bill was a substitute teacher for the Monett School District. Bill enjoyed playing bridge, listening and playing music, traveling, cars and riding motorcycles. He was also a skilled auto mechanic and an amateur carpenter and "Fix-it" Man. Nothing, however, brought him more joy than spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He married Donna May Holt on November 5, 1950 in Bentonville, Ark. They were blessed with over 62 years together before her passing on November 25, 2012. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Jack, LeeVeda and Dorothy. Bill is survived by his son, Steve; his daughter Jana, son-in-law, Ted, and five grandchildren: Craig, Chase, and Chandler Martin, and Teddy and Shelby Parsons. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. The family wishes to extend their love and gratitude for all the years of friendship Bill enjoyed throughout his life. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, Mo.

Published January 24, 2017

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