Billy Martens - LHS Class of 1949

Billy G. Martens, Leavenworth, KS, passed away on November 7, 2012 at Country Care, Easton, Kansas. Billy was born March 2, 1930 the son of Charles and Pearl Martens. 
He married Lucille Allen (LHS Class of 1949) on September 10, 1950 at the High Prairie Church. 
Billy was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Fern Hill (LHS Class of 1926), brother Charles Martens, Jr. and daughter, Susan Lynn Martens. He is survived by his wife, Lucille, of the home and two children: Michael Martens and his wife Martha of Dallas, Texas, Linda Royer and her husband Kent of Albany, Oregon, grandchildren Lesley Barnett and fiancé Daniel Meyer, Sarah Barnett and husband Jeffery Kendall, Kenneth Martens and wife Michelle, Steven Martens and wife Katie, Daniel Royer and wife Katelyn, Jessica Royer, and six great grandchildren. 
Billy attended High Prairie School, a one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1949 and from Liberty Home Bible College in 1990. He enjoyed ROTC in high school and joined the Kansas National Guard. In 1950 the unit was mobilized for active duty and he spent a year in Korea as a military policeman. He continued to be a member of the National Guard and was again recalled to active duty in 1968 during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. He retired as 1SG E-8, in 1969. 
Billy was well known in the community as the guy to go to if you needed some gun advice or repairs.  He was an avid hunter and outdoors man and loved to spend time in the woods and at the lake. He was a life member of the NRA, and a member of the Fort Leavenworth Rod and Gun Club. While in the military Billy participated in the pistol sharp shooting competition at the local, regional and national levels and won first place at the national level. 
Billy was a member of the Gideons International, and a member of the Church of the Open Door for 57 years. He served as treasurer and deacon and was also the audio-visual technician at the church for many years. 
Most of Billy's career was at the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth where he assisted guest speakers with audio visual aids and readying the auditorium for presentations. He also ran the Know Your World Programs for many years.
Billy and his wife ran a direct selling business, distributing Shaklee products from their home for over 40 years, providing wellness products for customers in many states and overseas. 
A memorial service will be held at the Church of The Open Door, 4800 South 20th Street on Tuesday, Nov, 13 at 10 a.m., with visitation following. Burial will at Mount Muncie at 1:00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Wycliffe Bible Translators, The Gideon's International or the Church of the Open Door. Arrangements entrusted to Davis Funeral Chapel.