William Donald Martin

Don was a graduate of Belzoni High School, Belzoni, MS and graduated from Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN in 1951. Following graduation from Wabash he entered the United States Air Force and was trained as a troop carrier pilot. Following his flight training he married Frances Swain and within a few months he was sent to Japan where they lived for the next 2 ½ years.

Upon completion of his military commitment of 4 years, he enrolled at Indiana University and completed his M.S. degree in recreational administration in 1957. Following graduation he participated in a one year in-service training program sponsored by the National Recreation Association and the Milwaukee, WI Recreation Department. In 1958 Don became a recreation program supervisor in Oak Park, Michigan, responsible for organizing and supervising citywide programs, including sports leagues, playgrounds, community school activities, day camps and special events. From 1959 to 1966 he was director of recreation in Birmingham, Michigan, administering a citywide recreation system. He was the superintendent of parks and recreation in Southfield, Michigan from 1966 to 1968. From 1968 to 1975 Don was an associate professor at Central Michigan University; he received his Ph.D. in resource development from Michigan State University in 1972. In 1975 Don joined the faculty at Indiana University.

Don was a member of the following organizations: National Recreation and Park Association, American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, Board of Directors of the Bloomington Parks Foundation and Indiana Park and Recreation Association. He served as President of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association from which he received the Distinguished Service Award in 1972.

Don was predeceased by his parents and 2 brothers. He is survived by his wife Fran; son Bob (Beth) of Marietta, GA; daughter Jane Huber (Rich) of Carmel, IN; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held in Valhalla Memory Gardens. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2016 in Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401 at 2 p.m. with the Monroe County Honor Guard providing military honors.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the Bell Trace and Hospice staff for their excellent care and support.

Memorial gifts may be made to First United Church Endowment Fund, 2420 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401 or the Bloomington Parks Foundation, PO Box 848, Bloomington, IN 47402

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com