Commander William Gearheart “Geary” Martin was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in December, 1933. He moved with parents, John and Verda (nee Gearheart), and brother John, Jr. to Chicago, Illinois, and then to Erlanger, Kentucky, in 1937. After graduating from Lloyd Memorial High School in 1951, Geary received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky.  

In February, 1957, he joined the U.S. Navy and earned his pilot’s wings the following year. He married Diane in July, 1957. They were stationed at many military bases throughout Geary’s career, including Coronado, California, where they made their home and raised their son, Roy.  

Geary served as a naval pilot for 21 years, flying missions during the Vietnam conflict. He retired as Commander in 1977. After his retirement, Geary was a computer programmer/analyst for 20 years in San Diego. He was a supportive member of his son’s Boy Scout Troop and an active member of his church until he passed away in 2004.

Provided by Jana Martin Kemp