William "Nik" Martin

William “Nik” Martin

William Martin “Nik” was born to Robert Earl Martin and Odessa Louise Martin on October 21, 1934 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He died at Veterans Hospital in Indianapolis at the age of 85. A graduate of Franklin Township High School, William enlisted in the Army for two years and traveled internationally for his assignments. Upon returning home he attended and graduated from Indiana University with a teaching degree. Nik was a principled man with a voracious appetite for reading, exploring ideas, traveling and speaking to wrongs. Being a truth teller cost him his license as a teacher in IPS in the early 60’s. He moved to New York City where he met and roomed with Morgan Freeman. Morgan began calling him Nik because he said the name Nik without the c was a better fit than William. Nik was a man who experienced the art and culture of Greenwich Village. He was determined to live life his way. His diversity of thought was reflected in his music, literature, friends and thought.

Nik moved to San Francisco Bay where he worked a variety of jobs. Notable was his time with the NAACP. Using his skills as a journalist and negotiator Nik was sent in to help resolve tense situations. His friend and confidante of 50 years met him about this time and said, “I often wondered how someone with all his amazing abilities, who could sell ice to the Eskimo’s, could be so open & generous!” Deciding to travel Nik sold his Porsche and headed to Asia and Europe. Using his skills as a journalist he stayed overseas for months ending his travels living in Sweden for six months before heading home. Though he had many jobs he enjoyed his job as a reporter and sports producer at ABC’s radio station KGO in San Francisco for many years. Reporters loved him for his writing of the news and sometimes putting a bit of comic twist on it. It was his immense knowledge and ability to recall that caused his listeners to refer to him as “the smartest man in the Bay Area”. Upon retiring Nik returned to Indianapolis to be with his family where he met and married Phyllis Coe. Their life together was filled with their love of family, friends, music and laughter.

Nik was preceded in death by his mother, father and two brothers, Vernon and Robert. Survivors include his wife Phyllis of 18 1/2 years, brothers, Theodore and Wesley and his sister, Betty Simmons: his stepchildren Rayna Coe (Marcus Holman), Shannon Coe, Justin Coe (wife Melissa) Lyndsey Coe; six grandchildren, Kandyce, Lauryn, Kaila, Avri, Ryan and Christian, each of whom was his favorite; and so many cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. His laughter, wit, and personal connections will be missed by so many for so long.

Order of Service

Musical Prelude…………………………………………………………….……………………”Imagine” by John Lennon

Opening Prayer/Scripture/Sermon……………..…………………………………………………Pastor Kevin Long

Picture Memorial………………………………………………………………………………Presentation w/ Music

Acknowledgement of Additional

Cards, Gifts and Condolences…………………………………………………….Kaila Briscoe & Shannon Coe

Poem……..”Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas read by Lauryn Buchanan

Eulogy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Rayna Coe

Benediction…………………………………………………………………………………………….Pastor Kevin Long

Recessional………………………………………………………….”What a Wonderful World” by Ray Charles

Committal & Interment……………………………………………………..Washington Park North Cemetery