Billy Marvin Martin

Celebrating the Life of Billy Marvin Martin

The world lost an incredible husband, father, brother, mentor and friend when Billy Marvin Martin, 69, of Derby, Kansas, passed away on September 14, 2025, surrounded by his family. Though our hearts ache tremendously, we choose to celebrate the immeasurable life Billy lived, the joy he brought, and the legacy that continues in us all.

Born to Billy Clay and Helen Maxine (Fisher) Martin in Amarillo, Texas, Billy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Janan Martin; children, Candice Harbert of Pensacola, Florida, Sarah Goertz (Matthew) of Maize, Kansas, Micah Koksal (Scott) of Garden City, Kansas, Ashton Qualls (Garan) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Brooke Cantwell (Creston) of Jackson, Tennessee.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tristen Ketcham, Bianca Goertz, Jack Koksal, Lily Koksal, Ever Koksal, Meyer Qualls, Rhae Qualls, Charlotte Cantwell and Georgia Cantwell as well as sisters Marilyn Williams (Tommy) of Mustang, Oklahoma, Deborah Saunders of Austin, Texas and brother Ronnie Martin (Sherri) of Muldrow, Oklahoma.

World Renowned Lightning Expert

With an unmatched work ethic, likely born from serving in the United States Marine Corps, Billy continued to provide consulting services right up until his last days. During his 40+ year career as a principal electrical engineer, he’s done nearly every type of environmental testing there is and made numerous contributions in the development of avionics testing for aircraft and lightning diversion techniques. He also owns several lightning protection patents and antenna designs. Billy was not only admired for his expertise but also for his giving nature. He had a way of lifting others up to reach their full potential, turning his colleagues into close friends.

Family is Life and Life is Family

Billy Martin was a man of many passions, his beloved Oklahoma State, his country, the outdoors through hunting and fishing, and of course, good food. But above all else, he loved the Lord, and he loved his family deeply.

As Sherri Martin fondly said, “Billy was a needy man”—not in the usual sense, but because he needed to help others. It was in his nature to give, to serve, and to uplift. He would quite literally give you the shirt off his back and never hesitate to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Everything Billy did, he did for his wife and daughters. His love for them was unwavering and limitless. Nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandchildren laugh, run, and play, those moments lit up his world.

Billy Martin lived a life rich in love, service, and laughter. His legacy is not only in the memories shared, but in the lives he touched with his generous heart.

Honoring Billy Martin

Visitation: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:00 pm to 7:00pm at Smith Family Mortuary – Derby, Kansas. Funeral Service: 1:30pm, Friday, September 19, 2025 at The Well, 200 W. Greenway St. B, Derby, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Victory in the Valley, 3755 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218.