- Visitation
10:30 a.m.
Meyer Funeral Home in Lebanon, Illinois
- Service
Saturday, January 21, 2012
9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Meyer Funeral Home in Lebanon, Illinois
- Full Obituary
William Martin Laurie of Lebanon, Illinois died January 18, 2012 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, Illinois. He was 90 years old.
Martin was born March 11, 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. His parents were Robert Alexander and Lena Lucille (Barnett) Laurie. He was the oldest of 11 children. He spent his early years both in Kansas and in Illinois. It was in Illinois that Martin met his future wife, Ruth E. Wright. On February 20, 1943, they were married to start their 68 years together. They were very active in the Southern Baptist Church where Martin was a Deacon.
Martin served during World War II in the US Army Air Corp. After the war he continued his service as a member of the Kansas Air National Guard and then the US Air Force Reserves. He worked as an aircraft mechanic at Scott Air Force Base until his retirement from Civil Service. He enjoyed repairing and building private aircraft, woodworking, and spending time with members of his large, loving family.
After retirement Martin and Ruth traveled as missionaries. During their 2 years in the Philippines, they helped Southeast Asian refugees learn English and other skills that would help them transition more easily into the United States. They then served 2 years in American Samoa. Next they spent many years working in the United States on other Mission projects for their Church.
Martin is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter-in-law Rebecca, son Michael and his wife Betty, and son Lynn and his wife Constance. Martin’s surviving grandchildren are Christopher (Heather) Laurie, Nicholas Laurie, Michele Laurie, Peggy Laurie, Neva (Christopher) Laurie-Berry, and Alexander (Elizabeth) Laurie. He also is survived by seven great-grandchildren and his sisters, June Fletcher and Charlotte Lowe. He was preceded in death by his son Harold Robert, grandson Michael David, Jr., five brothers and three sisters.
The funeral will be held at Meyer Funeral Home in Lebanon, Illinois at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012 with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. the same day. Burial will follow at College Hill Cemetery also in Lebanon. Memorials donations may be made to West Gate Baptist Church, Trenton, Illinois or the American Cancer Society.
Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
