William D. Martin a man who had a kind word and smile for everyone, passed away peacefully on Friday Aug. 12, 2022 with his son, Steve Martin and his daughter Linda Lipka by his side. Bill was born in Selfridge Field, Michigan, grew up in Leawood, Kansas, was a graduate of Kansas University and a lifelong Jayhawk.
Bill and his wife of 12 years, Mary Cobb Martin started their family together on the Redstone Arsenal in 1963. Bill was enlisted in the Army and had a outstanding career with the USA Space and Strategic Defense Command program as a Advanced Technology Director.
Bill and his second wife of 13 years, Olivia Sutinen enjoyed the blending of families. Olivia and Bill remained companions with a phone call to each other every single night at 7pm.
Besides his daughter, Linda Lipka and son, Steve Martin, he is survived by his son-in-law, John Lipka; his grandson, Albert James Lipka; brother-in-law, Dio Rockers, and nephews Bradley (Mary, Tom, Julia, Vincent), Derek (Jana, Elodie, Beckett). He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mildred Martin; his sister, Myrna (Martin) Rockers, granddaughter, Samantha Christeen Lipka.
Bill had many friends and enjoyed living life to the fullest! From his memberships in historical groups, magic clubs, and activities like wind surfing, basketball, weight lifting and skiing to his thirst for traveling the world, Bill lived a full and grateful life.
A Memorial will be held at Magnolia Trace on Friday Aug. 19, 2022 at 6pm in the Magnolia Room. He will then be returned to his home of Leawood, Kansas and buried at Mount Moriah. Services there will be held on Sept. 24, 2022 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America. givenow.lls.org.
We also want to recognize those at Magnolia Trace with deep appreciation for their friendship and care this last year.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Martin family.
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