Ernest Edward Martin Sr.

Ernest Edward “Bob” Martin, Sr. passed away at home on Monday, May 22, 2017 at the age of 89. He was born on September 24, 1927 in Blacksburg, South Carolina to William and Maude Martin. He met Dorothy Myrtle Gatzke, a young nursing student, while working for Southern Railroad in New Orleans. He married his sweetheart on December 15, 1950. A North Carolina American Patriot descendent, he became “Louisiana Proud” when they moved to Baton Rouge in 1956. He was the youngest of 8 siblings. Brothers included William Lawrence Martin Jr.(Irene), Joseph Boyce Martin (all deceased) and James Leonard Martin (Virginia) who resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sisters included Oveda Moss (Doritte), Thelma Harris (Cleo), Marie Grupe (Fritz), and Geneva Martin (all deceased) of North Carolina. He enlisted to serve in WWII in the U.S. Navy at age 17, proudly following his 3 older brothers. He served at the Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test. Following his career in finance, he retired from Associates Finance as vice president. He was president of the Baton Rouge Optimist Club and president of the Baton Rouge Lenders Exchange. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, and their children Dr. E. Edward Martin, Jr. (Jan) of Mandeville; Deborah Martin Handy (Doug) of Peachtree City, Ga; Bobby Martin of Baton Rouge, Michael S. Martin of New Orleans. He enjoyed relating proud stories of his 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Granddaughters include Sarah Martin Marx (Eric) of Baton Rouge; Leah Martin Guelker (Ben) of Middleton, Idaho; Dr. Adele Handy Goodloe (Britton) of Woodstock, Ga. Grandsons will serve as pall bearers and include; Dr. Aaron Martin (Amanda) of Mandeville ; Major Mike Handy USAF (Kelli) of Misawa, Japan; Major Chris Handy USAF (Nicole) of Mary Esther, Florida; Adam Martin (Kim) of San Diego, California; Simon Martin (Megan) of Houston , Texas ; Craig Handy of Los Angeles , California; Ryan Patrick Martin of New Orleans; Thomas Louis Martin of New Orleans.

Bob put enthusiasm into many things but especially loved supporting every LSU sport. He cheered at over 50 years of Tiger football games in his purple crested blazer. Bob was an avid gardener and enjoyed showing his backyard to all who made a visit. He became a frequent traveler to favorite locations including the beach, Hawaii and Japan where he visited his cherished, longtime friends Yoshi and Tseuneko.

The family is appreciative of caring support during Bob’s illness from many family and friends, especially Peter and Rhonda; physicians of the Ochsner Medical Clinics, especially Dr. Karen Muratore, Dr. Aldo Russo, and Dr. Steve Guarisco; and caregivers Juanita, Crystal, Rhonda, Bonnie, Lucy and Rameka.

Private family visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home located at 9595 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, La. 70815 on Friday, May 26,2017 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Family will attend services at 12:00 pm noon with burial to follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations of remembrance may be made to The Arc Baton Rouge-Metro Enterprise Prescott, 8326 Kelwood Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806, a local agency to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.