Wilbur "Bill" V Martin

Bill Martin passed peacefully at home in June 2024 with Lili, his beloved wife of 25 years, and his stepson, Ang Li by his side. 

Bill was born in Hazen, ND and spent his early years there, before moving to Stevensville and Dillon, MT. 

Bill graduated from Beaverhead County High school in Dillon MT, in 1960. He was a star athlete in both football and basketball. He received a football scholarship to the University of Montana where he played on offense as half back and fullback. He was co-captain of the Grizzlies when he graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. In college he married his high school sweetheart and had a son, William. They later divorced. 

Bill began training with the Air Force during the summers while he was in college. After college he became a pilot and rose to the rank of Captain in the US Air Force flying fighter jets, C-141’s, Cessna O2A’s. He was a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam where he served for several years and received 7 meritorious awards for outstanding military performance. 

After he left the Air Force, Bill served in the Montana Army National Guard as a helicopter pilot, a Flight Safety Technician, Flight Safety Officer, and an Aviation Section Commander. He was also a smokejumper and a member of the National Smokejumpers Association in Missoula. In 1972, Bill began teaching at Sentinel High School in Missoula, MT. 

He taught US History, Government, and Current World Affairs. He also went back to school and received his Master’s in Education. In 1976, he became the Director of Sentinel’s Career Center. Bill retired in 2004 after 32 years of service at Sentinel High School. 

Bill was a much-loved husband, father, brother, son, and uncle. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. He took his son and nephews on countless hunting and fishing trips, and taught his city slicker nieces how to use a firearm and fish during their summer visits to Montana. Bill was fun and funny, often mischievous, and had a distinctive and infectious laugh. 

He played the guitar and sang folk and country songs at family gatherings. 

Bill will forever be remembered for his hearty laugh, warmth, kindness and his generosity. He is survived by his wife, stepson, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, his first wife, and only son.

A graveside service of honor will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Western Montana State Veteran's Cemetery, starting promptly at 12:00pm.  

A reception will follow at the family home.