Robert Rene Martindale

Robert Rene Martindale, born at Fort Brown in Brownsville, Texas on October 28, 1919 to Gladys Elizabeth Hall and Robert Benjamin Martindale, passed away Sunday morning, May 9, 2010, in San Antonio, Texas.

Robert Bob married Elizabeth Dandridge Brown on February 21, 1946 and had three children.

He was preceded in death by Elizabeth B. Martindale in 1982 and his son, Robert Dandridge Dan Martindale on October 18, 2009.

He is survived by his two daughters, Anne Martindale Jackson and husband, James Jim R. Jackson of San Antonio, Texas; and Mary Martindale Foss and husband, Peter N. Foss of Charlotte, North Carolina. He had three grandchildren, Lloyd Dandridge Jackson, Robert Tyler Jackson, and Sarah Elizabeth Foss. He also had one great-grandson, Evan Brandon Jackson.

He was proud to have served in the United States Air Force during WWII. He was shot down over the Bismarck Sea and was a Prisoner of War of the Japanese for almost three years. After extensive research he wrote of his experiences as a prisoner of War Executive Officer, and his book, The 13th Mission was published in 1998. Decorations included Air Medal, Purple Heart, Reserve Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars, Victory Medal and Defense Service Medal. The Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas has on display artifacts he donated from his time in the Prisoner of War camp in Japan.

After the war Bob continued in the Air Force Reserves until his retirement as a Lt. Col. He worked as an air-controller with Pan American, a citrus grower and a cotton classer. He returned to school and received his B.A. degree from Texas A&I and M.A. degree in history and government from the University of Texas in Austin. He taught for three years and was head of the Social Sciences Department at Navarro Junior College and went on to join the staff of the Texas Coordinating Board on Higher Education in Austin, retiring in 1986.

He will be remembered by family and friends as a "Gentleman of Leisure" who loved life, travel near and far, his country and his family. He enjoyed bringing a smile to the face of others whenever he could.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.., Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Admiral Nimitz Museum, Fredericksburg, TX or a charity of your choice.