William Basil Martin Iii

William Basil Martin III was born on July 9, 1954. He left this earth July 31, 2023 at 4:37 a.m.

William's parents were both from Muskogee, they fell in love and were married after meeting in college in 1951.  Basil lived in Muskogee for a short time, then moved with his parents to Oklahoma City. He was a much loved, only child that was never spoiled, and his parents delighted in every thing he did. Beginning with his first words, Basil loved to make people laugh and was the master of the double entendre. Basil was an amazing artist who loved to create sculpture and build kinetic pieces. His mom and dad sacrificed many household appliances, because Basil had helped himself to parts and pieces. They laughed about it and encouraged him to be creative. They bought him a small welder that he used in his bedroom to make art. His wife, Tonja, went to their home last in 1999 and ran the vacuum and still sucked up metal bits from the shag carpet. To know Basil was to know a childlike joy and innocence was his view of the world. He was extremely intelligent, yet so humble and kind to everyone he encountered. I love you, Tonja.

Basil is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Tonja Martin. He has cousins and aunts in the Tulsa area as well. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Basil Martin Jr. and Mary Dean Martin.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Basil at Crestwood Vineyard on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Please share your memories, a time he made your tummy hurt laughing or anything you want to say about My Gentle Giant of a husband.  Basil you are truly one of a kind and are going to be missed every day of my life until we are together again.  Infinite love, my darling artist, protector, my other half. I love you, Tonja.