William R. Martin, 85

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William Ross Martin, 85, of Litchfield, died Thursday evening, Dec, 6, 2018, at the home of his daughter, Debra, in Decatur.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield with the Rev. Gary Schwab, a family relative, officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Litchfield.   Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Martin was born in Litchfield, a son of Bryon Charles and Juanita Laura (Carlile) Martin.   He graduated from Litchfield High School and served in the U.S. Army during peacetime following the Korean War, stationed in Italy as a helicopter mechanic.  Upon his honorable discharge from service, he returned home and married the former Reba Mae Bishop on Aug. 5, 1956, at Union Avenue Christian Church, and she preceded him in death on March 11, 2005.  

Mr. Martin and his family lived for many years in Decatur where he was employed by the Borg-Warner Corporation and its successors until his retirement as a machinist, mechanic and draftsman.  He was a member of Union Avenue Christian Church of Litchfield, a life member of both the Decatur Gun Club and Decatur American Legion Post #105.  He enjoyed hunting, shooting trap and skeet, fishing, and truly enjoyed traveling, recently taking a cruise with his daughters and their families. 

Surviving are his three daughters, Debra (Rick) Tucker of Decatur, Diane (Dave) Axness of Fall City, WA, and Donna (Albert) Journey of Bolingbrook; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Casey) Tucker-Vinsel, Bill (Star) Tucker, Greg Tucker, Brian (Samantha) Axness, Karla Axness and Rebecca (fiancé Rick Mendoza) Journey, and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, George Martin.

The family suggests memorials to the Decatur Gun Club or the Litchfield Veterans Memorial Garden.   To sign the online guestbook, light a virtual candle or for maps, visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.