Obituary of Robert Martin

Robert Paul Martin was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 20, 1942. He was one of five children born from the union of the late John W. and Mary (Hennies) Martin. Bob attended Fitzgerald High School graduating with the Class of 1960. He later furthered his studies at Henry Ford Community College obtaining an Associate's Degree in Traffic Management. Bob married the former Gail Helgren on October 7, 1967 at St. Sebastian Church in Dearborn Heights. Bob worked several years for Ford Motor Company. He then spent twenty-two years as World Traffic Transportation Manager for La-Z-Boy Monroe World Headquarters, retiring in 2002. Finally, Bob spent the past few years driving dialysis patients for Trinity Transportation. Bob loved adding to his N-Scale model train display. He was an avid reader enjoying the likes of Tom Clancy, science fiction, and history material. Bob also enjoyed listening to music with varied interests including: Irish, Fife and Drum music, and Big Band. He enjoyed golfing at Lilac and Green Meadows and loved Detroit sports, cheering on his Lions, Tigers, and Wings. He had also been a sideline volunteer for the Southern Michigan Timberwolves and a staunch supporter of Airport Jets Football. Bob had also been a Cub and Boy Scoutmaster. Bob was a former member of St. Charles Catholic Church serving as an usher and tirelessly assisting with the Parish Festival. He had a great sense of humor and the innate ability to draw others to him wherever he went, both young and old. Family was cherished and his grandchildren were at the top of the list. Bob, age 73 of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his sister, Maureen. To cherish his memory he leaves his wife of forty-eight years, Gail of Monroe; his three children: Bryan of Newport, Jeff (Krista Grundman) of Monroe, and Kimberly (Michael Reynolds) of Riverview; three siblings: Mary Anne, Terrence (Cindy), and Neil; and five grandchildren: Marissa, Ryleigh, Morgan, Carlie, and Joshua. Friends may gather on Sunday, October 25, 2015 from 1:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 5:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Memorial donations are suggested to the wishes of the Martin family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.