Robert J. “Bob” Martin, 78, of Bridgman, formerly of Union Pier, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Hallmark Living in Benton Harbor.
Bob was born on December 21, 1941 in Three Oaks, MI to the late Robert and Betty (Marshall) Martin. He was a 1960 graduate of Lakeshore High School. He married Wendy Waldo on October 3, 1981. Bob lived many years in Baroda and was a plumber for most of his life retiring from R. A. Mort Supply in Benton Harbor after 21 years and not missing a day of work. Bob went on to help Wendy build her window cleaning business, Just Windows II, until 2016 when he had a stroke. Bob was a volunteer fireman for Chikaming Twp for 10 years serving until 1989.
Bob was an avid sports fan, and active in local sporting events. He was a little league baseball coach in Baroda for nearly 15 years. He was a high school basketball referee, and held the sideline chains for Lakeshore Lancer Football for many seasons. Bob played softball for several years at the Three Oaks Legion and when not playing softball, he would watch his favorite teams on TV, Green Bay Packers, Chicago White Sox, and Michigan State.
Bob put many hours in tending to his and Wendy’s flower gardens that enlarged over the years when he lived in Union Pier, along with the help of his Basset Hounds, Abbey, Beau, Woody, Sadie, and Seymour.
Robert is survived by his wife of 38 years, Wendy; two children from a former marriage, Barbara (Edward) Kiewel of GA, William Martin of Stevensville; six grandchildren, Ashley, Allison, Michael, Samantha, Alexandra, and Kassandra.
Proceeding him in death are his parents, Robert Martin and Betty Versaw, and brother, Donald Martin.
Visitation for Bob will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, March 2, 2020 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. Funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.
Posted On: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 2:09 PM
