Robert "Rob" Wainright Martin

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 17, 1953, Rob was the son of Edley (“Wain”) Wainright and Charlene (Studor) Martin. He was raised and lived in Bloomington, Indiana and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1971 and briefly attended DePauw University. In his senior year at then Bloomington High School, Rob was a starting linesman on their state champion football team.

Rob held several jobs over his lifetime but spent much of his work life as a service representative at Curry Buick. Through his knowledge of cars and mechanics, Rob was often called upon for car advice. He was an avid collector and throughout his life he travelled the region in search of “finds” to further his collections.

Rob’s father was one of the founders of the local organization New Leaf – New Life, a transformative justice non-profit that works and advocates for the incarcerated and previously incarcerated. It was through volunteering with his father, Rob seemed to really thrive. For more than 15 years, he would regularly enter the Monroe County Correctional Center to conduct “Jail Bingo” with inmates. Jail Bingo was a joint New Leaf – New Life project with St. Marks Methodist Church. Rob, normally a man of few words, would transform into an effusive game-show host for an hour while conducting BINGO for the inmates. He delivered prizes of needed hygiene items and high calorie treats to those incarcerated. To those inmates that he met and served he was revered.

Rob was also much beloved by his family and friends. He was well known for his kindness and would often lend a helping hand to someone in need. Rob was a keen practitioner of “Hoosier Hospitality.”

Rob enjoyed travel, was avid poker player and an auto racing fan. He attended St. Mark's United Methodist Church and is survived by his three sisters Linda (Martin) Mongold, Nancy Martin and Anne (Martin) Ko, three nephews (and their children) Jonathan (Christina) Mongold, Paul (Nathan) Mongold, Chime Chune Ko and other family and many friends.

A celebration of life event for Rob will be held on June 3 at St. Mark's United Methodist Church from 2-4pm. Instead of flowers, contributions in Rob’s memory may be made to New Leaf – New Life at 1010 S. Walnut St., Suite H, Bloomington, IN 47401.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com for the Martin family.