William E."Bill" Martin

William E. "Bill" Martin, 86, of Ashland, Ky. passed from this life on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at King’s Daughters Medical Center.
Bill was born March 20, 1937, in Ashland, a son of the late Virgil Martin and Myrtle Evans Martin.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Robert Martin and Walter Vernon Martin, and four sisters, Irene Robinette, Lois Bench Brumfield, Betty Shimfessel and Mary Lou Mackebee.
Bill had a 31-year career with Armco Steel, starting in the Works Engineering Department and retiring from the Administration Department as Community Relations Advisor. From that position, he helped in the establishment of the Highlands Museum, the Ashland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the preliminary development of Ashland's riverfront park.
Following retirement from Armco, he was employed by The Daily Independent for six years as graphics editor, retiring in 1999.
Bill, a licensed pilot, had a lifelong interest in aviation that led him to author several published works on aviation history, including a book on the history of Ashland's Original Airport. For many years he served as a Board of Nominations member for The Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame.
He was also a musician and performed in various musical groups throughout the years, from the River Cities Big Band, a 16-piece jazz ensemble, to a jazz vocal/instrumental quartet, Old Friends, patterned after the vocal stylings of his favorite group, the Four Freshmen.
Most important of all, Bill was a Christian and a lifelong member of Beech Street Christian Church where he served as an elder and church pianist.
Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Phyllis Ann Porter Martin, three god daughters and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023 at STEEN FUNERAL HOME, 13th STREET CHAPEL by Dr. Rob O'Lynn. Entombment will follow in Ashland Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service.
Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the Beech Street Christian Church, 1672 Beech Street, Ashland, KY 41102; the Highlands Museum, 1620 WinchesterAvenue, Ashland, KY 41101; William C. Lambert Military Museum and Archives 304 S. 3rd Street, Ironton, Ohio 45638, or a charity of your choice.
To share a memory of Bill or to extend condolences to his family, please visit: steenfuneralhome.com.
 

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