William Edward (Bill) Martin was born in Shreveport, La. in 1936, reared in Springhill, La. and moved to Minden in 1952. He graduated from Minden High School in 1954, and Louisiana Tech in January 1959.

Bill married Helen Cain of Jonesville, La. in 1957 and they have three children and seven grandchildren

Upon graduation from Tech, Bill taught high school in Shongaloo, La and later entered the U.S. Air Force in November 1960.

Bill trained as a navigator and electronic warfare officer and during his career flew B-47s, B-52s, and B-58s as well as KC-135s. Bill served 18 months in Vietnam and S.E. Asia and flew 42 combat mission in Vietnam. Bill retired as a Lt. Col. in December of 1980, completed his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and practiced as a therapist in San Antonio, Texas until 1998 when he and Helen moved to Nixa, Missouri when they live today.