William K Martin Jr.

William K. “Bill” Martin Jr., 89, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at Promontory Point Rehabilitation Center in Idaho Falls, ID.

Born on January 3, 1935, in Oakland, California, Bill was the only child of William K. Martin, Sr. and Nettie Louise Lee (Phillips) Martin. Although he was their only child, Bill was surrounded by a close-knit family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He grew up in San Leandro, California, attended local schools, and graduated from San Leandro High School in 1953. He furthered his education at San Jose State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business in June 1961.

After high school, Bill joined the United States Air National Guard and worked as a sales representative for Chevrolet Motors. He also worked as a brakeman for Union Pacific Railroad during the summer months to earn extra money.

On September 2, 1961, Bill married the love of his life, Laurel “Lolly” Taylor, in Larkspur, CA. They settled in Castro Valley, CA, where their son Todd Allen Martin (deceased) was born.

Bill's early years included memorable trips to Idaho with his father, where they hunted and fished with their Idaho relatives. After two years of marriage, Bill and Lolly decided to relocate to Idaho to indulge Bill’s passion for hunting and fishing. They made their home in Idaho Falls, where Lolly worked as a registered nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital, and Bill took on the role of Hot Cell Technician at the Idaho National Laboratory (often referred to as "the site"). It was there they welcomed their daughter Alecia on January 3, 1966, whom Bill often referred to as his “best birthday present ever.”

Bill worked at the site for various contractors, including Westinghouse, EG&G, and Lockheed Martin, until his retirement in 1995.

A devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church from 1964 until his passing, Bill was passionate about the outdoors and enjoyed a variety of activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, dirt bike riding, snowmobiling, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and snow skiing. He also played baseball, softball, and golf. In his later years, Bill enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge and pinochle, with friends at church and the Idaho Falls senior center.

He was an avid sports fan, following college and professional sports with enthusiasm. He enjoyed watching games on TV and attending events at his favorite stadiums in Oakland/San Francisco. His favorite teams included Boise State football, the Oakland A’s, and the Oakland Raiders. Over time, he developed a fondness for the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos, which occasionally sparked friendly debates within the family.

Known by many names—Bill, William, Babe, Willie, or Big Will—depending on the region, Bill led a rich and fulfilling life.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Laurel “Lolly” Martin; his daughter, Alecia (Dwayne) Coburn; granddaughters Hailey (Kinghorn) Tew of Driggs, ID; Devann (Josh) Jardine of Idaho Falls, ID; Jenna Martin (Colt Green) of Rigby, ID; Tracy Coburn (Andrew Fudge) of Richland, WA; and Terri (Jason) Lacher of Richland, WA; as well as grandsons Anthony Jacob “AJ” (Kalli) Martin, Brandon Meyer, Josh Meyer and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 2071 12th St, Idaho Falls, ID, on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. A burial will follow at Fielding Memorial Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Hope Lutheran. 

In lieu of flowers please donate in Bill’s name to Hope Lutheran Building Fund, Snake River Animal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.