William Martin

William "Wash" Martin, 75, of Brown St., Tamaqua, died Wednesday (December 10) in Coaldale. He was the husband of the late Jeanette (Praskac) Martin, who died in 1998.

Prior to retiring, he was employed by the Tamaqua Area School District as a bus driver. He was also an accomplished steel guitarist, having played with various bands.

Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Murphy) Martin Havron.

He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in Germany.

Martin was a member of First Congregational Church, Coaldale.

A 1952 graduate of the former Coaldale High School, he was a member of the American Legion Post 170, Coaldale, and the Disabled American Veterans Association. An avid pilot, he also constructed and flew model airplanes.

Surviving are a daughter, Cynthia Ann of White Haven; a brother, John "Jack," and his wife, Isabella, of Tamaqua; a sister, Margaret Ann, wife of Jack Julo of Allentown; a sister-in-law, Sandra Havron of Tamaqua; and nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Dennis T. Havron, who died in 2004.

The Zizelmann-Roche Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in the Times News on 12/12/2008