Union - William R. Martin, 94, of Union passed away 7:30 AM. Friday morning, April 18, 2014 at the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Fairlea, following an extended illness.

Mr. Martin was born at Monitor, WV (near Sinks Grove, WV), March 16, 1920, a son of the late Harry A. and Edith Baker Martin.

He retired in 1983 as a postal service employee having served as postmaster in Sweet Springs and Union. He graduated from Union High School in 1938, served in Company F of the West Virginia National Guard, inducted in January 1941 into the U. S. Army serving with the 34 ^th Division in North Africa and Italy in 1943 & 1944, receiving the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Mr. Martin served as Mayor of Union for 6 years and was instrumental in the construction of the town's water treatment plant and the installation of underground natural gas lines, a member of the Union United Methodist Church for over 60 years serving as choir member, Sunday School teacher, superintendent and lay speaker, a member and past president of the Bluegrass Ruritan Club, member of American Legion Post 100, former volunteer fireman. He was recognized as Union's Hometown Hero for faithfully being a Blood Donor for many many years and he loved gardening and woodworking.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Faye Richmond Martin on May 23, 2009, his wife, Dorothy Fullen Martin whom he married in 1944, she passed away in 1945, and a sister, Frances Martin Pruitt.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Jane Rhoades and husband, Richard of Winchester, Va., Connie Copeland and husband, Gavin of Union, Nancy Vance and husband, Robin of McDowell, Va.; 2 sisters, Mayo Lemons of Pickaway and Jessie DeBusk of Urbanna, Va.; 3 grandsons, Phillip Jarrell of Clearwater, FL, Jared Copeland of Morgantown and Aaron Copeland and his fiancé' Jamie Simpson of Pawley's Island, SC; 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, April 21, 2014 at the Union United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ben James and Rev. Ed Vallandingham officiating.

Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery in Union.

Friends may call at the Groves Funeral Home in Union from 6 – 8 PM Sunday and at the church 1 hour prior to the services.

West Virginia Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites.

Memorial donations may be made to the Union United Methodist Church % Mary Ann Hinkle, P. O. Box 525 Union, WV 24983 or the Bluegrass Ruritan Club % Rick Bostic Rt. 1 Box 296 Sinks Grove, WV 24976.

Groves Funeral Home in Union is in charge of arrangements.