William D. Martin, a man who had a kind word and smile for everyone, passed away peacefully on Friday August 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 an outstanding career with the USA Space and Strategic Defense Command program as an 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 7:00 p.m.
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 was 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 was held at Magnolia Trace on Friday August 19, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. He will then be returned to his home of Leawood, Kansas and buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, Kansas City, Missouri. Services there will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, on September 23, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. 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.
