William Frederick Martin

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Village, 4070 St. Francis Village Road, Crowley. Interment: Will take place at a later date in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with full military honors.

The family of William Frederick Martin, 84, is celebrating his long and happy life. He was born Feb. 24, 1931. He was a man with many passions. He loved hunting and fishing. He loved to paint and write. Humor was a huge part of his life. He was the most patriotic man we knew and he had many accomplishments. He joined the United States Navy when he was 17. He rose through the ranks to chief petty officer hospital corpsman. He was attached to the Marine Corps for 12 years. After his retirement he joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Throughout his career he transferred 31 times. He also served in Korea and Japan. All seven of his natural children were born in different states.

Bill was preceded in death by his natural father, Frederick Milton Martin; father, Lawrence Motti; and mother, Bess Ellen Butterworth Martin Motti.

Survivors: His wife, Ramsie Baldridge Hannah Martin; children, Shelli Carter and husband, Larry, Pam Davis and husband, David, Debbi Burdette and husband, Edgar, Matthew Martin and wife, Kelly, Tim Martin and wife, Diane, Joe Martin and wife, Lori, Chris Martin and wife, Kim, Melissa Hannah Murnane and husband, Tom, and Monte James Hannah. He has 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Dale and his wife, Jean; nephew, Pat; and nieces, Cathy and Annie. He will be greatly missed by all.