A former industry executive and leader in several professional and philanthropic groups, William Winfield (Bill) Martin of Findlay, Ohio, died on January 24, 2012, at Heritage Manor. He was 94 and had been in declining health for several months.

Bill was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on October 15, 1917, to William McKinley and Edith (Bennett) Martin. His father died unexpectedly when Bill was five-years-old. After, his mother worked for 15-cents an hour to support the family, and Bill worked several odd jobs over the years to help out at home.

Bill left home at age 16 and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) by using a fake birth certificate. The CCC was a public work relief program in the United States that provided employment for young men over 18 who had difficulty finding jobs during the Great Depression. He served at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and Camp Euclid, Ohio, before being honorably discharged from the CCC in April 1935.

After leaving the CCC, Bill moved to Rochester, New York, and landed a job with the Eastman Kodak Co. During this time, he struck up a friendship with a local Army Air Force recruiter who became a mentor for Bill. He warned Bill that war was on the horizon, and encouraged him to go to school to become a candidate for officer's training. After several months of classes, Bill became a bombardier cadet. Upon graduation from cadet school in 1941, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Force.

Bill was eventually assigned as the lead bombardier for a ten-person crew in a B-17 Flying Fortress. He was involved in numerous combat missions in the European front as part of the 398th Bombardment Group.

In recognition of his service during World War II, Bill received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and a European-African Eastern Campaign Medal with Five Bronze Stars. He also received two Personal Combat Commendations. He was discharged as Captain William W. Martin in 1947.

After World War II, Bill received a Bachelor's degree with Honors in Economics from Mount Union College in 1950 and an MBA from Harvard University in 1952.

He married the former Barbara Phinney of Newton, Massachusetts in August1952, after the two met while summering on Cape Cod during Bill's Harvard years. Their union produced three children. They divorced in 1979.

Bill enjoyed a long and successful career in corporate planning and accounting. He worked at St. Francis Home for fifteen years as the Finance Director. He taught Economics at Tiffin University and also worked at Webster MFG.

After retirement, Bill stayed very busy, volunteering his time with a number of organizations, including the Service Core of Retired Executives, Meals on Wheels, CASA, the Seneca County Office on Aging, Community Hospice Care of Seneca County, and many others. He was also active member of the 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association.

Bill was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and belonged to the following organizations in Tiffin; American Legion Post 169, Eagles Aerie #402, Moose Lodge #846, AmVets Post 48, Knights of Columbus #608 and Kiwanis. He was very active in the community and was always interested in helping others.

Bill's favorite activities were dancing and playing cards with friends. He loved to travel and attending estate sales

His parents and his sister, Victoria Laneve, preceded him in death.

Bill is survived by his children, Michael (Mary Virginia) Martin of Houston, Texas, Mary Marenberg of Toledo, Ohio, and Patricia Martin of Hyannis, Massachusetts; six grandchildren; and his special friend of 22 years - continuously - Carol Thatcher of Findlay.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 30, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin., with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. A Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to mass. The United Veterans Council will conduct military honors following the mass at church. Bill will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 2-6:00 P.M. at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424. A Christian Wake service will begin at 1:45 P.M.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Heritage Manor for the wonderful care he received as a resident. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio or the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.