William Wallace "Wally" Martin

William Wallace "Wally" Martin, 74, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 2:35 a.m., Saturday, January 7th, 2017 peacefully surrounded by family, at his home.

Wally was born in Rossville, Kansas on June 14, 1942, a son of Nellie Irene (Gibson) and Paul Irvin Martin, Sr.

Wally attended elementary school in Rossville, Kansas, McPherson Junior High School and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1960. He honorably served in the United States Navy during Vietnam War and Desert Storm. While he was in the military he was able to receive his business degree from University of Southern Illinois.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church McPherson, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as Eucharistic Minister

He served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged as a MCPO. He served in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He received Sixth Good Conduct Award, Navy Commendation Medal 3, Meritorious Unit Commendation 2, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle "E" Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal 4, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 5, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, National Defense Service Medal 2, Navy Unit Commendation 3, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 2, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, Marksman M-14 Rifle, Sharpshooter .38Cal.

Wally served his Country for 30 years in the United States Navy and retired as Master Chief Petty Officer. After his Military career he went to work for his brother Henry, at Moody Oil Company for 3 years and then worked for ICS Industrial Chrome Specialist as a driver and sales person for 5 years, later he worked for MSI a Cellular Company that his brother Steve owned.

Wally was a member of the American Legion Post 24, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2715, and the Iron Angels. Wally enjoyed walking, vegetable gardening, working in his yard, playing softball, and spending time with his family and visiting with his friends.

Wally was united in marriage to Janice Abram on October 29, 1965 at Gardner, Maine. The young couple established their first home together in Maine and in 1976 moved to Virginia. This union was blessed with the birth of a daughter Madalyn Irene. Wally was united in marriage to Karen Barrera on June 14, 1991 at Jacksonville, Florida. The couple made their first home together in McPherson. This union united Wally's daughter Madalyn and Karen's daughter Jennifer Lynn.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Martin, of McPherson, Kansas; his daughters Madalyn I Martin, of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Jennifer Lynn Avinger, of McPherson, Kansas; his siblings, Mary Irene Hudson, of Topeka, Kansas, Pauline Bickford, of Maple Hill, Kansas, Henry Martin and his wife Carol, of McPherson, Kansas, Steve Martin and his wife Deanne, of Hutchinson, Kansas, and C.D. Martin and his wife Diane, of McPherson, Kansas; his three grandchildren, Anthony Avinger, Lila Paige, and Carter Leathers; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tim Martin, Paul (Junior) Martin and Baby Boy Martin; and a sister, Baby Girl Martin.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and Rosary to follow at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, McPherson, Kansas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, McPherson, Kansas, with Fr. Hien Nguyen officiating. Military Honors will be presented by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2715 and American Legion Post 24 both of McPherson.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.