Bob was the widower of Josephine Kimball Neff Martin. He is survived by his daughter, Diane Patricia Martin Hoffman and her husband, Charles Frank Hoffman of Harrisburg; his son, Robert D. Martin, Jr., of Scottsdale, Ariz. and his wife, Bonnie Allen Martin; his daughter, Kathleen Martin Krain and her late husband, Bruce A. Krain, of Camp Hill, Pa.; his grandchildren, Robert D. Martin, III, Charles F. Hoffman, Jr., Leslie Martin Hauley, Michael Neff Hoffman, Lindsay Hoffman Liebman, Robert Joseph Krain, and Stephen W. Krain; and 12 loving great-grandchildren.
Bob was born in Detroit, Mich., on Jan. 8, 1923, but grew up in Chatham, Ontario, Canada and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. When World War II began, he opted for his American citizenship and joined the U.S. Army Air Corp where he was a radio operator on both the B-17 and the B-24-L. He was always proud of both his American and Canadian heritage.
Bob and Jo settled in Royal Oak, Mich. where he worked in material handling for Ford Motor Company. They later relocated to Randolph, N.J., where he operated his own business until retirement. In 1989 Bob and Jo retired to Lake Monticello, Va., a decision they would never regret.
Bob was active in the community, including several years with the rescue squad. He delivered meals for Jefferson Area Board for Aging until the age of 91. Bob was always there to ask “What can I do to help?” He loved Lake Monticello. His greatest pleasure was to be on the water enjoying his boat. Bob loved to read, loved history and literature, aviation, tinkering in his garage, his friends and family. His faith was strong and he was dedicated to Palmyra United Methodist Church.
Bob and Jo enjoyed their life together, traveling often to see what was over that next hill, and always having fun. Until his health failed he proudly raised his flag each morning and brought it in at dusk each evening.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at Palmyra United Methodist Church by the Rev. George Gorman. Interment followed at Holly Memorial Gardens in Charlottesville.
The family received friends one hour prior to the service at Palmyra United Methodist Church on Saturday.
Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com.