Bill is survived by his wife, Liane Martin, his daughter, Sarah Messenger (Adam), his sisters, Margaret Salyers (Michael, deceased), Elizabeth Martin, and Mary Alyce Martin; and his brother, Richard Martin (Jessica), grandsons, Westyn and Riley Messenger, and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bill graduated from Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City, IL, and South Suburban College in South Holland, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for four years after high school and was stationed in Germany. In 1988, he re-entered the U.S. Army and served five years as an aircraft electrician during Desert Storm. He met his wife, Liane, in Chicago, IL and they were married in May 1988 in Calumet City. They were married for 35 years. They later moved to Ft. Eustis, VA, and then Ft. Hood, TX. He spent a year in South Korea, then returned to Ft. Polk, LA, and eventually left the U.S. Army. They moved back to Calumet City to be with his parents, until their passing, and moved to Carmel, IN in 2008 to be with Liane’s parents. Bill worked for the United States Postal Service for over 20 years as an Electronic Technician in Schaumburg, IL, and Indianapolis, IN. He was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Calumet City and the Second Presbyterian Church, in Indianapolis.
Bill was an avid chess player, who reached the Master level in junior high and high school. Chess continued to be a favorite hobby. He was also a history buff, who specialized in the Civil War. He enjoyed reading about U.S. military history, warplanes, and artillery. He loved antique cars and was able to maintain his pride and joy, a 1963 Chevrolet Biscayne that he bought while in the U.S. Army, in the late 1970s. He had planned to restore it to its original condition and recently passed it on to his brother to continue the restoration.
A visitation for Bill will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. His inurnment will be at the VA Crown Hill Columbarium Annex of the Crown Hill National Cemetery located at 725 West 42nd Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208.
You may express condolences and memories at www.dignitymemorial.com. In place of flowers, contributions in Bill's memory may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260.
