Obituary of Robert Stephen Martin

Robert Martin, 91, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. The son of the late Daisy Elizabeth Flood Martin and Oscar Paul Martin, he was born on October 14, 1932, in Terra Alta, WV, in the community of Rodamer, WV. Bob was a 1951 graduate of Kingwood High School where he played basketball and football. It was there that he was inspired by his coaches to pursue a career in coaching. He was awarded a football scholarship to attend Fairmont State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in 1955. Always a competitor, he was proud to have played on two undefeated football teams –- one in high school and one in college. While at Fairmont State College, Bob was recruited by the U.S. Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. The weekend after graduation and a week before being sworn in to the Marine Corps, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Peggy Crane, on June 5, 1955. After attending a Platoon Leader Course at Quantico, VA, he served two years on active duty during the Korean crisis. Bob and Peggy started their life together in Washington, DC, where she was working for the CIA, and he commuted to Quantico for the next six months. He was then assigned to the First Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA, where he completed the remainder of his active-duty time as a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer. Bob remained on both active duty and reserve duties for another 37 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1992. After his service in the Marines and determined to follow his dream, he taught and coached at schools in Ohio for eight years before earning a Master’s Degree from West Virginia University in 1966. He was then hired by Fairfax County Schools, Fairfax, VA, and retired in 1987. Coaching and teaching provided many lasting and cherished relationships and experiences which were his highest rewards. Bob liked to reminisce about good times growing up on Caddell Mountain. He had fond memories of hunting, fishing, caddying at the Preston Country Club, swimming in Cheat River after football practice, and even working in the coal mines with his dad and uncles one summer during college. He loved to work in his yard, golf, collect old coins and guns, and play a game of Rook. In his later years, his grand and great-grandchildren knew him to be a fun, kind, gracious and loving grandfather. Throughout all his life roles, he was known for his integrity, dedication to God, country, and family, and his determination to succeed. He will be remembered for his faithful heart, gentle nature and steadfast love. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert Stephen Martin, Jr.; sister, Vonda Virginia Martin Lewis; brothers: Roy Darrell Martin, Homer Paul Martin, and Carl Wade Martin; a nephew, Lonzo Duane Martin, and a niece, Linda Lou Martin Cooper, who were also raised in the home. Missing him, but cherishing a lifetime of memories, are his wife of 68 years, Peggy; devoted daughter, Brenda Merchant; daughter- in- law, Carolyn Martin; grandchildren, Jason Martin (Darbi) and Adam, Matthew and Abby Merchant; great-grandchildren: Connor, Cambelle, Andie, Peyton and Irelyn; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. While we grieve, we do not grieve as those without hope. Robert knew Jesus, and we will meet again. Semper Fi! The family would like to thank all who have supported them in thought and prayer during the homegoing of their loved one. In lieu of flowers or donations, please spend some time with those you love. Family and friends will be received at the Carl Spear Funeral Home in Brandonville-Bruceton Mills, WV, on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the11:00 a.m. funeral service with Pastor Jonathan Nettles officiating. Interment will follow at the Sugar Valley cemetery in Bruceton Mills. Military graveside honors will be provided by the Headquarters Marine Corps Funeral Honors and the Preston County Military Honor Guard. Condolences: spearfuneralhome.net