Robert Martin

Robert "Bob" Martin, 95, of Cape Girardeau passed from his earthly body into eternity and God's glorious presence Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born Feb. 5, 1925, in Atlanta to George F. and Ola M. Pate Martin. He and Torres Yvonne Halterman were married Aug. 26, 1951, at First Presbyterian Church in Anna, Illinois. She preceded him in death July 3, 2000.

Bob joined the military at age 17. He served his country for 12 1/2 years, serving in World War II and the Korean conflict. He served in three branches of the armed forces: the Navy from 1942 to 1946, the Air Force from 1946 to 1949 and the Army from 1949 to 1955. During World War II, Bob, his three brothers and his father were all serving at the same time. Patriotism ran deep in Bob's family.

Throughout his adult life, Bob cooked and baked for a living. He was a cook for the Anna State Hospital in Anna for 13 years and the Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia, for four years. He served as a baker for the Bunny Bread Bakery in Cape Girardeau for 12 years, retiring from there.

Bob found great joy and reward as a volunteer at Saint Francis Medical Center, where he logged thousands of hours and wore out dozens of pairs of shoes over the course of many years. In 2009, Bob was awarded the Vernice V. Baumstark Award. That award is presented to the person who best represents the Saint Francis Auxiliary's dedication, loyalty and service to the medical center. This was one of his proudest recognitions. He loved his time as a volunteer and considered himself to be a proud member of the Saint Francis Medical Center family.

Out of the many things for which he could be remembered, his family feels that Bob would most like to be remembered as a good, caring and generous man who loved people and loved to help and make a difference where he could. He was young at heart, had a kind soul and a warm smile for all.

Survivors include a son, Chuck (Jean) Martin of Cape Girardeau; grandsons, Christopher M. Martin and Benjamin A. Martin of Cape Girardeau; and a loving niece, Cheryl Martin, and her family of Stuart's Draft, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brothers, Frank, Ted and Paul Martin.

Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ed Rothenberger officiating. Burial, with graveside military rites, will be at Anna City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, 2536 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Bob was a pet lover and a pet owner. He would be pleased to have funds donated to help the Humane Society during its current capital campaign to build a new, modern facility.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.