Robert Leroy Martin

Robert (Bob) Leroy Martin, 95, of Boone, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2015, in Pueblo, CO. Robert was born on his grandparents’ treestead in Champion, Chase County, Nebraska, on November 8, 1919, to parents, Worthing Samuel and Mattie Lois (Robinson) Martin. The family soon moved to Holyoke, CO. After losing his father, the family moved to the prairies north of Boone, CO, where he grew up. He worked for several area farmers driving truck, while attending Boone High School, where he graduated in 1939. On September 15, 1941, he married Dorothy Lee White, who he had known since moving to Boone. In March, 1942, Bob was called to serve in the U.S. Army in World War II. He served with the 807th Tank Destroyer Battalion, seeing action in several places, including The Battle of Metz and the beaches of Normandy. He received the French Croix De Guerre Medal, Middle Eastern Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the VFW in Ordway, CO. Bob went to work for School District #60 in 1950, working at Spann, Belle Plain and several other schools as a custodian, and later in the Food Warehouse. He retired from the district in 1980. He also owned and operated White Trucking Service for 17 years, delivering water for several miles in all directions. He also drove a cattle truck for several years. He served on the Boone town council and as Mayor pro tem and maintenance supervisor. Bob was a member of the Pitkin Avenue Baptist Church in Fowler, CO. He enjoyed family camping trips, playing the harmonica around the camp fire, hunting arrowheads, traveling, especially to the 807th reunions and back to Holyoke and Nebraska. He also enjoyed playing UNO. He was a member of the National Street Rod Association, and was very proud of his 1947 Chrysler Royal. He enjoyed helping his sons build and race stock cars, even racing a few times himself. In recent years he was able to watch a grandson and granddaughter race. He especially enjoyed visits from all his grandkids, whether it be in person or a quick fly over! He was the best Dad and Grandpa there could be; he will be greatly missed. Bob is predeceased by his parents; 3 brothers; 4 sisters, and son, Robert S. Martin. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy, of the family home; children, Dorothy (George) Hays of Canon City, Harry (Cindy) Martin, Sherman (Bernadine) Martin, all of Boone, Jeanette Martin, Doug (Sue) Martin, all of Pueblo, Charlotte (Jerry) Buchanan of Boone; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Viewing will be 10 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2015, followed by the Funeral Service at 11 a.m., both to be held at Pitkin Avenue Baptist Church, 301 7th Street, Fowler, CO. Interment will follow at Fowler Cemetery. Online condolences at www.tgmccarthy.com. Arrangements, T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home.