Robert E. Martin

Robert Ernest Martin, age 70, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 15, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. While our hearts grieve his absence, we rejoice in the unshakable hope that Bob is now fully healed and in the presence of Jesus.

Bob was born on March 22, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of William and Joan Martin, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia "Patty" Martin, who passed on June 5, 2025, and by his brothers, William "Bill" Martin and James "Jim" Martin.

Bob's life was a testimony of faith, love, and joy. His walk with the Lord deepened through the years, and his faith shaped the way he lived, loved, and served others. Alongside Patty, Bob spent decades serving in the church, much of that time leading youth groups and pouring into the lives of hundreds of young people, making a lasting difference.

Bob loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren; his family was his deepest joy, second only to his love for the Lord. He cherished time together - laughing, playing games, celebrating milestones, and making memories that will be treasured forever. Life with Bob was full of warmth, fun, laughter, and love, and he embraced life with a spirit of adventure, a willingness to take chances, and a lifelong devotion to the Green Bay Packers.

Bob often shared memories of camping and fishing trips with his father and brothers, along with fond reflections on growing up in a busy home filled with four boys. There was always noise, energy, and a little bit of trouble, all anchored by their mother, Joan, who was deeply respected and whose words everyone listened to.

Bob is survived by his children, Nick (Tammie) Martin and Kim (Tracy) Eastman; his brother, Joseph "Joe" Martin (Sharon); his stepchildren, Chris (Sarah) Phillips and Kevin (Sheryl) Phillips; and his twelve grandchildren: Ryker Martin, Vander Martin, Paige Eastman, Wesley Eastman, Kayla Bowlin, Rebekah Potter, Emily Phillips, Coryn Phillips, Kaitlin Phillips, Evelyn Phillips, Adison Phillips, and Conor Phillips.

A memorial service celebrating Bob's life and his faith will be held on January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Crosspointe Fellowship Church, 1640 FM 1252 E, in Kilgore, Texas.

Though we mourn his passing, we do so with hope. Bob loved the Lord, lived a life rooted in faith, and is now home with the Lord he loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to H.O.P.E. (Help Offered to People Enslaved), a ministry close to Bob and Patty's hearts that reflects their deep faith and compassion by rescuing those trapped in forced labor in Pakistan's brickmaking industry.

Link for donations: https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/HelpOfferedtoPeopleEnslaved/give

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8