Robert H. Martin
April 4, 1942 - December 3, 2022
It is with great sadness of hearts, but the belief in God's mercy, that the family of Robert H. Martin, Sr. of Monticello, Arkansas announces his passing from this earth into the peace and comfort of Heaven's portals on December 3rd, 2022. He was 80 years old and surrounded by the loving support of his loved ones at the time of his death.
Robert H. Martin, Sr. was born in Barkada, Arkansas on April 4th, 1942. He grew up and was raised in the Wilmar and Barkada area. Although he was an excellent student, like other young men in those days, he left school in the 10th grade and went to work. He soon discovered the Pipeline Industry and decided to become a Pipeliner at the age of sixteen. After being a Laborer for a short while, he joined and became a lifelong member of The International Union of Operating Engineers with a specialty for running Dozers and Side-Booms. Soon, he became a Straw Boss and Foreman of multiple crew types on the Pipeline. But over the years, his specialty was as a well-known and sought-after Lowering-In, Tie-In, and Road Boring Foreman. He also worked as a Spreadman for Pipeline Companies such as Horizontal Holes, Inc and Price Gregory International, Inc.
Over the course of his long career, he worked on Pipeline Construction jobs all across the United States, including the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline in 1976. He also worked internationally on a job in New Zealand in 1974. After 53 years of working in the industry, he retired from the Pipeline in 2012. However, after his retirement, he was often called upon for advice, which he gave from the relaxation of his recliner with his Boston Terrier dog, Mossy, lying right beside him. For his many years of Pipeline Industry service, he was inducted into The Pipeliners' Hall of Fame. Yet, beyond that honor, to his sons and possibly to many others, due to his track record, expertise, and talents, Robert H. Martin, Sr. may be considered as one of The Greatest Pipeliners that has ever lived.
As a person, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to tell stories and jokes to make others laugh. He was giving, caring, charitable, a ''Ford Man'', and a Christian. He was also a Democrat and certainly did not mind telling you so when discussing and debating the subject of politics. In his past time, he loved riding his Gaited Saddle horses, playing Dominos, dancing to Country music with his wife, attending Dirt Track Stock Car Racing events, going to The Talledega 500 when he could, and was an avid every Sunday television viewing NASCAR fan. He was very proud to be a Free Mason of the 32nd Degree.
Robert H. Martin, Sr. was preceded in death by his adoring and loving wife, the late Barbara Ann Martin of Monticello, whom he married on February 16, 1962, two years after meeting her at a Wilmar dance. They enjoyed their life together here on Earth, and we are certain that they will now have a great time for all of eternity together in Heaven. Their smooth two-step and waltz on The Streets of Gold will be the highlight of their reunion and any Country Dance God may grant the angels to have in Heaven.
Also, awaiting him there at Barbara Ann's side will be their twin sons who did not survive a premature birth in 1969. He will get to hug them and get to know them now. That is something he has looked forward to doing. We are sure they will be glad to get to know their Dad because his two sons here on Earth surely were blessed to have him as their Dad. He was the best Dad any child could have ever had and his earthly sons consider themselves fortunate. In addition, he will also be reunited in Heaven with his mother whom he has longed to see again (Jewell Marie Martin); two brothers (Guice and Garvin Martin); and a sister (Creola Reynolds).
He is survived by two sons (Robert H. Martin, Jr, MD, and Roger Dale Martin); four grandchildren (Brittney Ann Martin-Norsworthy, Austin Sykes Martin, Madeline Grace Martin, and Meredith Jewel Martin); one great-grandchild (Stoney Riggs Norsworthy); two daughters-in-law (Angila Benson Martin and Carole McGarr Martin); two step-grandchildren (John Michael Efird and Max Hyatt Efird); and a grandson-in-law (William Seth Norsworthy).
He is also survived by 3 siblings (Margaret Tucker, Don Martin, and Joyce Woods); a sister-in-law (Linda Griffin-Heath); as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends that he loved and cared about very much.
Special gratitude is extended to those who checked in on him and kept him company at his home over the last few years such as his dear friend, Mary Thompson; and someone he considered like a daughter, Kristy Pamplin.
Pallbearers are: Seth Norsworthy, C.J. Reed, Jeff Patton, Ricky Trantham, Scotty Ferrell, Mark Gober, and Colton Reed. Honorary Pallbearers are: J.R. Jackson, Eddy Montgomery, Mike Adrian, Don Brazzell, Glen Perkins, and Ed Kelly.
Visitation will be at the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello, Arkansas from 6-8 PM on December 8, 2022. The funeral service will also be held at the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home on December 9, 2022, at 1 PM. The presiding minister for the service will be Pastor Michael Griffith, Jr. The eulogy will be given by Brother Billy Collins.
The graveside and burial service following the funeral will be at The Union Cemetery on Hwy 35 West in Rye, Arkansas.
All friends, family, and the public are invited to attend.
Obituary Provided By:
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR 71655
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