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Robert Martin Obituary
Martin, Sr.
Robert Archibald Martin, Sr., lovingly known as the "Founder of a New Clan," entered into his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, surrounded by his devoted family. Born October 18, 1928, in Zanesville, OH, the second son of Rev. Samuel R. and Anne Marshall Martin, Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John R., and sister, Mary Elizabeth. Bob, "Arch," is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Gail Elizabeth, and their seven children, Gail Prager, Constance (Rick) Springer, Robert Jr. (Lorena), Stephen (Candy), Pamela, Charles Raymond, and David (Susan); brother, Paul M. Martin of San Diego, CA; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren, with another expected. In addition to serving the automotive needs of many in the Canton community by operating Martin's Sunoco and Harrison and Tusc 76 stations, he worked for Young Truck Sales Co. Bob's life was centered around his family whose spiritual home was Church of the Savior, United Methodist since 1962. There he was active in the sanctuary choir and served as president of the United Methodist Men. Recently honored by VOCI (Voices of Canton, Inc., FKA Canton Civic Opera Chorus ) as "Singer Emeritus" for giving over 46 years of service, Bob performed numerous leading roles in many of the group's Broadway musical productions. He is well known for his outstanding musical gifts, his powerful voice, extensive volunteer service, and his beautiful hand hewn wooden creations. He created a musical legacy through programs performed by The Martin Family Singers, comprised of Bob, Gail and the seven siblings in the 1960s and by singing for every one of his children's and grandchildren's weddings. Recordings of his beloved voice will continue to bless family functions into the future. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at Church of the Savior, United Methodist, 120 Cleveland Ave. S.W., in Canton, on Friday, October 24, 2008, at 3 p.m. in the afternoon with Revs. Ed Fashbaugh, George Roberts, and Jeri Johnson officiating. Service music will be provided by Dr. W. Robert Morrison. Singers interested in participating in the celebrations of Bob's life are invited to meet in the church choir room at 2:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Church of the Savior music program are appreciated. Welch-Sekeres- Lewis Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
(Welch-Sekeres-Lewis,
330-452-4041)
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Martin
Brian Martin
November 22, 2008
I knew that I was going to miss grandpa but last night was when I finally realized how much. Last night some of us went over to Grandma & Grandpa's house and decorated it for Christmas, Josh & I were placing Santa & the reindeer on the roof and that was something Grandpa & I did for many years. It was very hard not having Grandpa there but I know thats what he would have wanted done. I plan on placing Santa & the reindeer up there every year, it will be hard with out you grandpa but I guess Josh will have to do. Thanks for all the memories Grandpa, we love you and miss you so much.
Brian, Jennifer, Jayden and Braxton
November 17, 2008
I can't believe it has been almost a month already. The pain of losing Grandpa hasn't changed at all. There are still sleepless nights, where I lie there thinking of special memories that he and Grandma made for us, thinking of Grandma and my heart breaking for her. I know life goes on, and that's what he wanted. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all of the sympathy cards, comments on here, the prayers, and the out-pouring of love our family has recieved. Grandpa has left big shoes to fill, and I pray that we will make him proud. God Bless you all.
George & Karen Manos
October 30, 2008
Dear Gail and family:
We just heard about Bob's death a few days ago. It bounced us back about 30 years to our CCO days, and left us feeling very sad that we had lost touch over the years. The friendship that formed during all those weeks of practice & rehearsals with all of you will never be forgotten. Bob was my "South Pacific" man, and my "Damn Yankees" man -- what a guy! We miss not connecting with Bob, Jr. & Steve --it's been way too long. We would have attended his Life Celebration had we known -- our sincere sympathy to you. Gail, and your dear family. How wonderful the legacy of life the two of you have formed together all these years.
Gail Prager
October 29, 2008
During the last two months of my wonderful Daddy's life, he said repeatedly that he didn't deserve all the gifts, cards, visits, prayers, and lovely thoughts that came his way from family and friends. He was always so humble and unassuming and so incorrect in believing that because he was always a true servant of God and a great person. We could never convince him that he was an overwhelming success as a husband, father, and an exemplary example of Christianity to all who knew him. He was just the best and life is now so different. Even though grief-stricken because he is so missed, I rejoice knowing that he is in heaven as a joyful participant in the most wonderful choir, always praising God. I thank God for the privilege and joy of being his daughter and look forward to joining him when the time comes. I miss you, Daddy.
Jeff Bernhardt
October 28, 2008
Gail, Pam and Martin Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. The world is a lesser place with out him, but I know that he is in heaven singing with Lori.
My heart and prayers are with you.
Kenny & Connie Prager
October 28, 2008
Kenny and I want to express our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Martin family in your loss. Kenny has many warm memories of Mr. Martin, and while I didn't know him well, I always found him to be gracious, friendly, and obviously well deserving of the love surrounding him from his family. I'll never forget his beautiful voice singing at Paul's wedding. God has definitely added a voice to his choir in Heaven. Love to you all, Kenny and Connie Prager
Julie Morris
October 28, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Robert must have been a wonderful man - I worked with Connie at American Airlines in Texas and she was always talking about the great fun she had growing up in this singing family. To have so many friends and such good memories is a testimony... one that every Christian hopes for. God bless you.
Yvonne Monaghan
October 27, 2008
It's difficult to say goodbye to the man who was such a permanent fixture in all of our lives. I have to remind myself that it isn't a permanent goodbye. My tears aren't really for him, but for us, because he is in an amazing place, and we are here, feeling the loss. He was the rock of our family, and taught me to be the same for mine. He made me feel like there was nothing in the world that I couldn't accomplish. I will miss his face, his booming voice, his wonderful laugh. My prayer is that I will touch even half the number of lives that he did during his life, and that I will continue his legacy of love and acceptance. I will miss you, Grandpa, until I see you again in Heaven.
Perry Willard
October 27, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
LOUELLA LEWIS
October 26, 2008
TO THE MARTIN FAMILY I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING AND HOPE YOU KNOW HOW SPECIAL MAN HE WAS AND I MET HIM AT THE STATION AND HE SURE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND IM SURE HEAVEN HAS A NEW SINGING ANGEL CHOIR MEMBER GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND THIS IS FROM LOU LEWIS USED TO BE YODER IN THOSE DAYS TAKE CARE GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Stephen Martin
October 26, 2008
How can I find words to say good bye to my inspiration, my hero, my beloved father? Though you have told others you were never a financial success, you demonstrated true success in your most important accomplishments; your family, your integrity, your honesty, your generosity, your faith, and your real true love. I can never hope to fill those shoes, even though you have provided an excellent example to follow. I shall always treasure our family times, our 1 on 1 times working together in your workshop, the feeling that in your eyes I am special. I pray that you are enjoying your own family reunion in Heaven, leading God's choir and singing with all your loved ones who went before. Thank you, Dad for being the man God meant for you to be, for loving us unconditionally and providing the best example anyone could ever hope for. I am who I am today because of you and Mom, and will forever treasure the memories of growing up with you as my father and my hero.
Alayna Adams
October 25, 2008
my grandpa martin was so special to me and i know he would be happy 4 what we did 4 him
Sandy Martin Hughes
October 25, 2008
Okay, I am the slow Martin from California...you have been in my thoughts all of this week! I will forever miss hearing Uncle Arch sing around the campfire at the reunion. I can hear Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle John and Aunt Beth greeting him and singing hymms and songs for all of those in heaven. I will miss his laughter and his wonderful spirit! You are in my prayers and thoughts!
Pat Newell
October 24, 2008
To Gail and the entire Martin family-
My deepest sincere symphathies on Bob's passing-oh how I remember all the wonderful music we all made together in Civic Opera over so many years-and one of the "glues" that held it together was Bob-and you Gail-and your wonderful children. Not only being musical, but being honest, kind, nurturing and, and most of all, loving-to all of us and most especially to each other. I wish I could be there for the service-I will be there in spirit. Love and prayers to you all-Bob is singing with the heavenly choir-taking the baritone lead!!!
Pat Newell, Las Vegas, NV
Kim Ewing Christopher
October 24, 2008
Dear Gail and Family,
I just loved growing up listening to the choir at church and when I come home to visit I look forward to seeing everyone in the Martin family.
I will always remember Gail and Bob singing at my wedding. Bob was such an inspiration to me and I will miss him dearly. May God bless you and comfort you in this difficult time. All my love.
Kevin Killby
October 23, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.Gail, Please accept my condolences in this difficult time. I thank you for being such GREAT neighbors for 30+ years. I'm going to miss visiting next door to hear the practice for civic opera in the study. You and Bob have meant so much to me and my family. I could not have asked for better neighbors and christian friends. In Christs' Love.
October 23, 2008
Whispering hope, whispering hope
Oh, how welcome Thy voice, making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.... thinking of all of you in this time of loss and sadness....and... recalling happy times shared.
Pete Palmer and families
Christine Black
October 23, 2008
The '40s at St.Paul Methodist church in Dayton was a long time ago, but we knew when "Archie" and Gail started dating that they would be together for a long time. I'm not surprised that they have such a loving family and so many friends. May your memories last forever.
Mary Humbert (Smith)
October 23, 2008
Dear Martin Family,
I opened the newspaper today and was sad to see you had lost such a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
I know you all from the years I dated Steve, and enjoyed spending time with your family.
I know from experience that there are no words to erase the pain that you feel in your hearts.
May God send peace and comfort to all of you in this time of sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tricia (Martin) Adams
October 23, 2008
It feels like a vacume has been put up to my heart. Grandma, you and Grandpa are my hero's. His legacy is what will keep us going. I know of no other Love as the love you had for eachother. I know he will have wanted us to continue singing together. I love you Grandma. I miss you so much Grandpa and I love you so much. God Bless our beautiful family. All my love.
Thomas White
October 23, 2008
To a precious family - for THAT is what you REALLY ARE - my heart is deeply saddend to learn of the passing of your dear husband, dad, grandpa. It was wonderful to know Bob Martin - it was wonderful to bask all these years in the ministry of his life as he lived it as a true - do you hear that (?) a TRUE CHRISTIAN in literally every capacity. It has been said that no matter what one may achieve in this life, nothing will make up for a failure in the family. When it came to Bob Martin - he was, if anything - a totally successful family man - he led his family as a Christian husband, dad and grandpa. I attended a showing of the Phantom of to Opera about a year ago at the Canton Palace Theatre on a Wednesday morning. Bob was there too and he totally enjoyed the showing... we had a nice chat as we departed. It was always so nice to be with Bob. His bright happy eyes were incorporated into literally every smile that crossed his face and so it seemed that there was never a moment when one was in Bob's presence that the smiling face was not perperual. He smiled because he was quite simply, a happy, fulfilled and contented man. The last time I was with Bob was at the United Methodist Men's annual corn roast at Lake Cable - just a few weeks ago. We chatted vibrantly and he was telling me what a wonderful time he had just had with "his" Gail as they had the opportunity and blessing to travel west this past summer. Well, I could go on and on but this must come to an end with my telling you that my heart is overjoyed with the fact that I know Bob is in Heaven and yet, I am deeply saddened that he has been left us and we have to ply the daily trade of living in the days ahead without his being here with us - but wait (!) - from Heaven, he IS with us, I can tell because through the clouds in the sky, I can see the bright beeming smile that will always be Bob Martin's eternal signature. Can't you just see and hear our Heavenly Father smiling too as He welcomed Bob into His kingdom with the words that we all hope to hear - "well done, good and faithful servant"? I can. With love to the entire Martin family - written through literal tears.
A fellow COTSUM member.
Thomas White
Clarke Braun
October 23, 2008
To The Martin Family:
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. I remember Bob from our many years in Canton Civic Opera. Bob was a great performer , even though he was a baritone! Please feel free to contact me if you need anything.
Paula McMeen
October 23, 2008
When I close my eyes I can hear my Uncle's voice, his voice has always been a treasure for our family and one of the highlights for me whenever I travelled east to see the my large Martin Family. I know he is singing and having so many laughs with the family in heaven as the wind was blowing 60-70 mph today and only a real heavenly party would whip up such a gale. My prayers are with you Aunt Gail, Gail, Connie, Bob, Steve, Pam, Ray, and David, and your lovely families--I wish Alaska was not so far away or I would be there to hug and share many laughs and stories. I love you all and will see you in July for the family reunion. Love, Paula
Sameer Kumar
October 23, 2008
To the whole family,
I will always remember how he greeted me with a bright smile and that first solid handshake, and always made me feel totally welcome. Please know that Grandpa, and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Gretzinger
October 22, 2008
I met Bob Martin Sr. and Jr. during a desciple bible study class. I enjoyed tapping in to some of his bible knowledge. I still have the wooden flower he graced us with at the end of the classes. He will be missed greatly.
Dick Young
October 22, 2008
I knew Bob very well after singing with him for some 40 years and working with him for 25 years. He was an excellent musician with a rich and powerful voice and knew how to use it. He was a hard worker at music and job and my feeling about him was MR RELIABLE.
My condolences to Gail and all the family. He's leaving a great family.
Carol Royer
October 22, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your dad/husbands passing. He was such a nice person. My prayers are with all of you.
Lisa Rayner
October 22, 2008
Grandma and families,
You and all are in my prayer. He is my WONDERFUL grandpa Martin. We loves him so much and miss him. We know that he is in Heaven with God and his family up there. He is in our heart and will never forget about him. We love you all!
Love, Lisa Rayner (Martin) and family
Joseph Waechter
October 22, 2008
Grandpa was a superhero to me. It's so hard to lose him, but I know he is in heaven leading the heavenly choir in song.
Grandpa, I love you and will never forget you. Keep on singing.
Craig Young
October 22, 2008
I had the priveledge of working with Bob for many years at Young Truck. I will always remember trips to Chicago and other places to deliver trucks with Bob. His great sense of humor could make a long trip fly by. I think that Bob is making beautiful music, and some laughter too, in heaven now.
Monica Leuck
October 22, 2008
Connie,
Our prayers are with you and your family. May god bless you all.
Ruth Lawrence
October 22, 2008
With my syimpathy and deepest condolences.
Ruth Lawrence
Linda Arnold
October 22, 2008
Connie, Rick, and Robby
Please know that we are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Your father left a wonderful legacy and one that your family can be very proud of.
Linda and Dennis
Fritz/Gloria Keen
October 22, 2008
Gail, just heard from Dottie about Bob's death. You have our deepest sympathy and our prayers.
Dorene Crilow
October 22, 2008
Lorena & Bob:
I didn't know your loved one, but can feel the love he brought to all the family members. Thinking of you during your loss. Dorene Crilow
Lisa Smith Shilling
October 22, 2008
Dear Martin Family:
Please accept my condolences. Your husband and father was a wonderful man. I will always remember Bob and all of you singing at Church of the Savior when I was a member of the youth group there in the 60's and 70's. May God comfort and bless you during this difficult time.
Libby Kuntz
October 22, 2008
Gail and family, our loving thoughts are with you in this sad and difficult time. Bob was such a caring man who loved his family. I can still hear him singing in his wonderful voice. Our prayers are with you all. Revs. Libby and Bob Kuntz
Terri Johnson
October 22, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Gail.
Jennie and Jason Stephan
October 22, 2008
We've always admired how committed the Martin's are to their family and know you feel this loss deeply. Our thoughts are with your entire family.
Alan Harding
October 22, 2008
Your Family is in our prayers
Donna and John Waechter
October 22, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John & Monika, Jake & Sam Elliott
October 22, 2008
WE are sending prayers, hugs and kisses from Sweden.
Lorena (Bob) Martin
October 22, 2008
You graced this world with honesty, integrity, love and compassion. When God was creating the mold for man, it was you He had in mind. I thank you for creating a carbon copy of yourself, that I now am proud to call my husband and for being the father that I never had. I love you.
Gail, there is nothing I can give you to take away your pain, but know that I love you.
Judy Gill
October 22, 2008
Bob & Lorena, How proud you must be to have had such a loving and strong person as the head of your family; and all the wonderful memories to make you smile. All my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Martin
October 22, 2008
The Martin Family,
You knew that day, God was going to call his name, In life you loved him dearly, in death, you do the same. It breaks your hearts to lose him. He did not go alone, for part of you went with him, the day God called him home. He lefted you beautiful memories; His love is still your guide, and though you cannot see him, he is always at your side. Your family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls you one by one, the chain will link again. Love Susan
Pat Beane
October 22, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
larry sarbaugh
October 22, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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