Robert W. Martin

All who knew Robert Martin would agree that he was the heartbeat of wherever he was. He was vibrant, fun-loving, and full of life, which drew others near with ease. It was no secret that Bob shared much of his life with his true love, and together they were filled with immeasurable joy to witness their family tree blossom to include branches of loves ones whom they cherished more than life itself. He was generous to the point of giving someone the shirt off his back if they needed it, and he offered love without condition to everyone he met. Life will never be the same without Bob here, but his timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

It was great to be an American during the Roaring Twenties. Innovation led the way to new technologies that were transforming the way we lived our daily lives. Radios, motion pictures in both color and sound, and refrigerators and washing machines became part of our homes while Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took the world of flight to new heights. Amidst this exciting time there was great anticipation in the hearts of Oscar P. and Vera A. (Hendricks) Martin as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of spring unfolded in Allen County, Indiana, in 1927. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Robert W. drew his first breath. He was one of four children born to his parents as he was joined in his family by his brothers, James and Richard, and his sister, Beverly. Bobs father worked at General Electric, and began his own business, Martin Fishing Poles, on the side.

In many ways Bob was a young boy of his generation. His love for fishing was born during his formative years, and he spent as much time at his familys lake cottage at Lake James outside of Angola as he could. Bob attended local schools including South Side High School, graduating in 1945.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Bobs introduction to the young woman with whom he would write a love story that would span more than 60 years. Her name was Doris McCloud, and Bob was completely smitten from the moment he spotted her sitting on her friends front porch while he was out riding his bicycle. Sparks flew right from the start, and the rest is history as they say. They began dating, and it wasnt long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Bob and Doris became husband and wife on June 2, 1945, at South Wayne United Methodist Church just a short time after they graduated. Bob and Doris eventually moved outside of Churubusco to their home on Blue Lake where they raised their boys, Donald and David.

Throughout his life Bob was known for his strong work ethic. He started out working at a service station in 1943, and from there he owned and operated his own station on Broadway Street in Ft. Wayne from 1951 until 1954. Bob then worked as a supervisor at J.I. Case Company from 1955 through 1961. He then switched his career path to the brewing industry where he was a warehouse manager for Falstaff Brewing from 1961 through 1978 and a bottling manager at G. Heileman Brewing (Schmidt) in St. Paul, Minnesota, retiring in April, 1989. In addition, he worked part-time at Churubusco Package Liquor Store from 1993 to 1998.

There was nothing Bob treasured more than his family, and when grandchildren came along, there were simply more people to love. He was thrilled to become a grandfather and was there to support his grandchildren in whatever they did. Known for his amazing sweet treats, Bob baked chocolate chip cookies and his famous banana bread for his family on a regular basis. He would always bring his family the food he made, but he also loved going out to eat with them. Of course, Bob always let them pick the place.

Although he moved around a bit, Bob was an active part of the communities in which he lived. From 1954 to 1979, he lived in Churubusco, and from there he lived in the St. Paul area from 1979 until 1992. He then returned to Churubusco before finally moving to Columbia City in 2003. Bob was a member of the Eagles, past president of J.I. Case Company Credit Union, Churubusco High School Adult Athletic Booster Club, and Blue Lake Association. For as long as they were able to, he and his wife enjoyed traveling. On one trip to Florida, they called back home and said since they were so close, they were just going to go to California before heading back to Indiana! Together Bob and Doris also loved to play bingo - so much so that some of his grandchildren referred to their grandparents as Grandpa and Grandma Bingo! Bob still loved to swim and fish as an adult. In fact, it was not uncommon for him to knock on his brothers door at Lake James at 8 or 9 p.m. with his 10 foot fishing boat to go fishing yet that night. As Doris became ill, he learned to knit and made placemats and other items for members of the nursing home as well as for his own family.

Life was drastically changed for Bob when he said goodbye to his beloved wife when she died at 12:10 a.m. on August 12, 2010. Although he still played bingo, it was less frequently, and he also loved to play cards of any kind with his family.

With unending love for his family, Robert Martin was an amazing role model for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His generosity was unmatched as even when in his wheelchair he held the door for others, and he never missed marking a Valentines Day with a card or flower. Bob could be a real jokester, and his laughter was infectious. Selfless, strong, and courageous, he will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Robert W. Martin, of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2015, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Bobs family includes his sons, Donald W. (Martha) Martin of Cape Coral, Florida, and David R. Martin of Jefferson City, Tennessee; brothers, James W. (Corrine) Martin of Fort Wayne, Richard D. Martin of Fort Wayne; half-brother, Philip Martin of Santa Fe, New Mexico; half-sisters, Arlene Kelley of Fort Wayne and Joan Truex of Warsaw; five grandchildren, DeAnna, Bradley, Susan, Jeffrey and Melissa; and numerous great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris Martin; sister, Beverly Graham; and half-sister, Alice Martin.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2015, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will follow with Chaplin Heath Lisenby officiating. Burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Fort Wayne. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.