William "Bill" Martin

William Sheridan "Bill" Martin, age 89, of Portage passed away Thursday, November 9, 2017 at VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso. He was born on October 1, 1928 in Gary, Indiana to the late George Dewey and Ethel Mae (Kinney) Martin. Bill graduated from Horace Mann High School and entered an apprenticeship at US Steel. He served his country in the First Cavalry of the United States Army on the front line during the Korean War. He was later stationed in Japan as Military Police. After his service, he returned to finish his apprenticeship with US Steel where he was affectionately known as L.B. or "Laughing Bill". Bill retired in 1992 after 43 ½ years or working as a welder and boilermaker. He married his high school sweetheart, Genevieve Cole on August 29, 1953. Bill was a member of the American Legion Post # 260 in Portage.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Genevieve Martin; son, William S. (Lisa Ann) Martin, Jr.; granddaughters, Rachel (Corey) Powers, Elyse Martin and Miranda Martin; nieces, Joan (John) Gorney, Betty (Doug) Hollowell; 4 great nephews, 2 great nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Lorraine Martin; brother, Robert George Martin; and sister, Betty Martin. Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

A funeral service for Bill will take place Monday, November 13, 2017 at 11:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. He will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the funeral home.  For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .