William Martin

Bill Martin was just a kid in high school when the world went to war. He played the trumpet in the band.... A few years later he was piloting a C46 air transport plane from India over the Himalayas to China. He made 87 harrowing round trips over those imposing mountains to re-supply our troops and allies who were fighting the Japanese. More than 500 planes and crews never made that full round trip! Like so many other WWII veterans - serving his country and doing his part was by far his proudest moment. Upon returning home from the war, he entered optometry school...No R&R for him. After graduation he practiced in Decatur for nearly 50 years. He supported his children and grandchildren in whatever endeavor they attempted. He rarely missed a dance recital, football game, tennis match, piano recital, baseball game, track meet, swim meet or graduation. He could have given lessons in parenting. His early gigs playing his trumpet instilled a passion for Jazz and Big Band music. He supported the Millikin Jazz Band and missed very few of their concerts while Roger Schuler held the reins. He played