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Robert Martin was born February 5th, 1944 to Bonnie Franklin Martin and Gladys Frazier Martin in their families grocery store in Centerview, Oklahoma which is south of Prague on Highway 99. He was raised in the Prague area graduating from Prague High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he played football for a short time until an injury ended his athletic career. After graduation from OU, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. After completion of OCS and Artillery Officer training, he deployed to Vietnam. During his tour in Vietnam, he was wounded in combat during an intense fire fight. He received the Purple Heart for his wounds, as well as other medals of service. He returned back home to Oklahoma where he attended Law School at Oklahoma City University. Upon completion of Law School, he returned to his hometown of Prague where he practiced law for many years. He met his wife there, Rusty Lenington (Martin) and they were married. They have 2 children, Taylor and Parker Martin. Even after divorce, Robert and Rusty remained extremely close. Robert began to work in the Oil and Gas industry for many years up until his retirement owning and operating a small production company. When his health began to get the best of him, it slowed him down some but he continued to work as much as he could. He loved what he did, and he loved his family dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie Franklin and Gladys Martin, his brother Olie Bon Martin, and his sister Wanda Martin. He is survived by his ex-spouse (but, even though an ex spouse, took tremendous care of him and loved him dearly.) Rusty Martin of Shawnee, Oklahoma. His son Taylor Martin of Oklahoma City, his other son and daughter-in-law Parker and Laurie Martin of Norman, Oklahoma, and his granddaughter Madeline, who he loved dearly and would light up every time he would see her. His adopted daughter Disa Drury (not blood but practically blood if that makes sense) of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and numerous friends throughout the country, especially his close friend Bobby and Dorothy Holland, who he grew up with. He loved them dearly. His friends Terry and Sarah Pansza of Oklahoma City as well.
My father was a tough man, a man that I wasn’t ever certain could feel any physical pain. But at the same time, he was a loving man as well. He taught us many lessons that now make sense that at the time didn’t. He was funny as well. He had some good one-liners that could put you in tears easily. When his health started to decline and he lost the use of his right leg, he never let that stop him, he would even drive, now this is a part that I had to get on to him many times about until he finally listened to me. He never let us know that he was hurting or suffering, he was just that kind of guy, to try not to bother or burden others. We will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Veteran based charity or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
A Memorial Mass will be held 9:00 A.M. Saturday, July 22, 2017 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church located at 4201 S. McKinley OKC, Ok 73109.
Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full Marine Corps honors.
Jackie Hargrove says
Rusty and boys, James and I send our most sincere condolences. We thought a lot of Robert and have many good memories of his years in Prague. Words are never enough, but our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, James and Jackie Hargrove
Lynda says
I’m just so saddened to read this. Loved Robert to pieces. Had many good laughs with him. My heart is with all of you.
With love Lynda aka house mouse as he called me 🙂
Cynthia Coomer says
I am so very sorry to hear this. May God give the family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Charles and Karen murray says
Chuck and I loved Robert and his family!!! Prayers for each of you….Chuck and Karen Murray
Judy Reagan says
Rusty and boys, I was so sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time.
Cary Kelton Hawkins says
Rusty and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember Robert very well and remember how much Mom loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Melanie Milligan says
So sorry for your loss, keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Valarie ( Cash) Gray says
Rusty and Boys,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Roberts passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of grieving. May outbreaks Kord bless you and keep you and may He wrap His gentle arms around you all. Peace and hugs and love be with you.
Darlene (Mayes) Richardson says
I worked for Robert in his Prague law office while I was in high school. I really enjoyed working for him and visiting with him. I so appreciated his helping train me in my early days of working in an office. So sorry to hear of his passing! Our sympathies go out to his family!!
Jo Ann Stewart says
Rusty and family, I’m so sorry To hear of Roberts passing. I pray that God will help you through this time of sorrow. That he will give you peace and comfort.
Howard L Tyler Jr RPh says
Great sadness to hear of Roberts passing. We played football together at PHS. He was an excellent QB. My condolences to the family.
Joan Walters says
Rusty, Taylor and Parker – so very sorry for your loss. He was a kind mind with a great sense of humor. So many accomplishments – and what a great service and sacrifice and he gave to our country! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Jim Stiger says
Rusty, Bob was in my OCS and TBS class in 1968. In looking for him for a reunion I came upon this notice. May God’s peace be with you and the family. Let me know if you would like to know about the reunion. You would be welcomed and Bob will be honored along with others.
Roger Moscater says
I am very sorry for your loss. Bob and I graduated from OCS, Marine Officer Basic School and Artillery SchooI together. We went over to Vietnam on the same plane in May of 1969. Our prayers are with him.
Semper Fi, Brother.
Rob Hewitt says
Robby was a good guy. Condolences to his family and friends.