William "Bill" E. Martin, 82, of Nixa Mo. went home to be with the Lord on June, 30 at his home surrounded by family.  Bill was born in Shreveport, LA on April 6, 1936 to Kenneth and Orlene Martin.  Bill married the love of his life Helen Cain Martin on June 7, 1957.  Bill received his Bachelor degree in English and taught at Shongaloo, LA for 1.5 years.  Bill joined the National Guard at age 17 and joined the Air Force for active duty in 1960.   Bill served as a navigator and an electronic warfare officer.  Bill trained on B47's, and was a crew member on B58's and B52's with the Strategic Air Command.   Bill retired from the Air Force with over 20 years of service to his country.  After retirement Bill got his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and practiced in San Antonio, Texas until 1998.  Bill remained active in church, teaching Sunday School and ministering to others.  Bill was also an artist and an author.  Family was very important to Bill.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ronald Wayne Martin and Larry Martin; and his granddaughter Thea Filizetti.  Bill is survived by his wife Helen, three children and their spouses, Debbie and Roger Filizetti, Bill Jr. and Marci Martin, and Wendell and Alexa Martin, and a sister Barbara Bryan.  Bill has seven living grandchildren Cortney Filizetti Wong, Jimi Filizetti Kmick, William Travis Martin, Jesse Martin, Robert Martin, Daniel Martin, and Benjamin Martin, and three great-grandchildren, AJ Wong, Thea Wong and Ethan Wong.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, July 2 at the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at the Springs Church at 9:30 am.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.   A brief reception will follow at Springs church for the immediate family and close friends.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be given to the American Diabetes Association via their website.