Robert F Martin

Bobby Martin was born in Hope, Arkansas on February 1, 1915 and grew up in Texarkana, Ark. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a star athlete and captain of the football and basketball teams, and President of the “A” Club. On January 1, 1938, he married his sweetheart, Virginia Rice Martin, and they were married over 71 years until her death in May 2009. After graduation from the University of Arkansas in 1937, he began a 43-year career with Shell Oil Company, becoming a Vice President before his retirement in 1986. Bob and Virginia retired to Heber Springs, Ark. in 1987 and lived there until 2009, when they moved to the Holly Hall Retirement Community in Houston, Texas. He was a man of God, faithful and generous. Bobby taught Sunday School for over 60 years and served as Chairman of numerous deacon boards and committees. Bob and Virginia were faithful charter members of the Heber Springs Baptist Church. The number of lives that he touched and changed for His Savior is legion. He had countless friends and was loved by all those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, and sons Manfred Dennis Martin and Quentin Ware Martin. Bobby is survived by his son, Neil Gibson Martin and his wife, Linda McClain Martin, of Houston, Texas and daughter-in-law Patricia Smith Martin of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his grandsons, Shannon Martin of Houston and Brett Martin and his wife, Michele, of Austin and by his granddaughter, Lori Martin Hodo and her husband, Doug, of Houston. Bobby is also survived by his great grand children, Hank Robert Martin and Wesley Lenard Martin of Austin, and Hannah Hodo, Grace Hodo, Douglas Hodo III, and Hayden Hodo of Houston. A memorial service will be conducted 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at the Heber Springs Baptist Church, Heber Springs, Arkansas, with Reverend Mike Love officiating. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Bobby's memory are invited to make a contribution to the Heber Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, 1710 Hwy 25B, Heber Springs, Arkansas, 72543.