William Martin

William A. Martin Born - December 26, 1924 On Sunday morning June 29, 2014, William A. Martin passed into God's hands. A devoted husband and most loving father, Bill was also a dear brother, beloved uncle, and cherished friend. He is survived by sons Michael and David and his sisters Dot Zumwalt and Joan Bardgett; preceded in death by dear wife of 47 years, Virginia; also preceded by his loving parents Theresa and Joseph Martin and siblings: Rose (Goll), Joe Jr., Ed, Lil (Moose), Jane (Miller) and Dolly (Gabauer). Bill was a proud and patriotic U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWII, who served as a platoon sergeant in the Pacific Theatre and took part in the Battles of Saipan, Tinian, Tarawa, and Okinawa. -Co-owner of Martin's Tom-Boy Market, a long established family business -Retail meat-cutter with Paul's South County Meats & Schnucks Markets -Volunteer driver for St. Louis County Older Residents Program The world is a much better place for having had Bill Martin. A very special thanks to all the wonderful people at SSM Hospice St. Louis. Safely Home I am home in Heaven, dear one; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last. And he came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread! Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still; Do it now, while life remaineth- You shall rest in Jesus' land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home; Oh! The rapture of that meeting, Oh! The joy to see you come! Do not stand at me grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you waken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die. (Author Unknown) Services: Funeral Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 9:00 am from JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS South County 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. (63129) to St. Matthias Catholic Church, 796 Buckley Rd. (63125) for a 9:30 Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. VISITATION WEDNESDAY 2-8 PM at JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS South County. First & foremost many thanks to everyone who visited dad when he got sick. He was so touched by your kindness &love, & it meant a lot to him to be able see his family & friends in his last days. We all have special memories of Bill & I would like to share just a few. What can be said about a guy who spent 89 years on this wonderful earth, most of all he loved life & everything that came his way: His family was always his number one priority & he made sure that he was there for those he loved. Even though he could have gone to college after WW2, he instead joined his father in the family grocery business & many of us have fond memories of Martin's Tom-Boy market. Bill loved his wife Virginia with a true passion. His sons were the joy of his life & we had many wonderful family vacations, & fun times. Our cross-country trip in 1967 will always stand out as a very special experience. In his years after he retired from the grocery business my dad had many wonderful times with his friends & family. He was able to travel with Virginia to many wonderful places. Later in life dad & I had many more memorable trips. As a volunteer driver he was able to help others. Whatever Bill did he did it with a zest & feeling of true enjoyment. May we all take our own memories of Bill to keep our lives as meaningful & love filled as his was. July 2, 2014
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County
4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129
July 3, 2014
9:30 am -
St. Matthias Catholic Church
796 Buckley Rd. St. Louis, MO 63125