Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Martin, William Orville  May 4, 2005
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
K T bluewolf@onemain.com May 11, 2005, 11:46 pm

The Tehachapi News 
William Orville Martin
Sept. 2, 1923 – May 4, 2005

William Orville Martin was born Sept. 2, 1923, in Knox County, Ind., and was 
adopted at two weeks of age by Lindsey Otho and Nancy Ellen Martin of 
Sullivan, Sullivan County, Ind. 

During his high school career, he built quite a reputation as a drummer. At 16 
years old, because of this skill, he was hired by Wayne McIntyre and his 
college band in Terre Haute, Ind. He then joined the musicians union. 

On July 11, 1943, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Kathryn 
Routt, and they began touring with the big bands of Ray Herbeck and Anson 
Weeks.

With a growing family, it became difficult to continue touring and Bill and 
Sarah settled down to raise their family, moving to California in 1952. Bill 
worked for many years for the Chrysler Corporation but continued working with 
small combos and bands until 1972. 

In 1989, Bill and Sarah moved to Tehachapi. He really enjoyed the scenic 
beauty, animals and birds of this area.

At age 80, Bill was fortunate to locate and have personal contact with his 
birth family. Many lifelong questions were answered and it gave him great 
peace.

At the time of his passing, Bill and Sarah had been married over 61 years. He 
is survived by his wife, Sarah of Tehachapi; children Karen Lopez (Nick) of 
Tehachapi, Barbara Lee (Bob) of Tucson, Ariz., William D. Martin (Liz) of 
Tustin and Roger Martin (Marie) of Bakersfield; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-
grandchildren.

In lieu of funeral services, a family celebration of Bill’s life will take 
place in Tehachapi on May 29. 

Cremation arrangements were handled by Wood Family Funeral Service of 
Tehachapi.



Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to the deceased.

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