Robert “Bob” Edmund Martin of Willows died at Glenn Medical Center in Willows on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022. He was born in Ferndale to Leslie and Mary Martin in 1930.
In his youth, he participated in Future Farmers of America, which laid the foundation for his long life as a dairyman and farmer. In 1948, he was named FFA’s State Farmer.
After graduating in 1948 from Ferndale High School, he went to work on his uncle’s dairy until 1950, when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Marines for five years, including one year of service in Korea.
He moved to Willows in 1955 and married Doris Hirz, his wife of 67 years. He resided in Willows ever since, operating a dairy while raising his nine children.
After turning over day-to-day dairy and farming operations to his sons, he continued to help them well into his 80s. In his later years he started a new business, recycling scrap metal, which kept his mind sharp.
He always knew the current price of copper and other metals and was excellent at estimating the weight of a load of scrap. He worked on scrap until after his 90th birthday, cleaning up his own farmyard as well as many neighbors’ yards.
He also had several hobbies and interests. He enjoyed vintage cars, especially Fords. His pride and joy was restoring a 1941 Ford flatbed truck.
He collected belt buckles, pocketknives and coins. He could whistle, yodel, and play the harmonica. In his final years became quite adept at jigsaw puzzles.
In 2012, he wrote a book about his Korean War experience. The book was later published by the Ferndale Museum.
He subscribed to his hometown newspaper, The Ferndale Enterprise, his entire adult life. He was a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church, the VFW Post 1770, and the Ferndale Museum.
He was well known among his neighbors as one who would lend a hand and share wisdom from his experience as a dairyman and farmer. He took special delight in touring visitors around his family’s farming operations.
He knew so many people and had so many friends, he will be sorely missed.
He died peacefully at Glenn Medical Center in Willows, with his wife by his side and three generations of family members gathered nearby.
He is survived by his wife, Doris; sister Marie Bugbee; children Paul Martin (Tina), Suzan Couto (Frank), Carl Martin (Sharon), Barbara Eikmeier (Dale), Dale Martin (Carol), Lain Martin (Sandra), Yvonne Mayberry (Craig), Dean Martin (Susie) and Dora Martin; 20 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Mary Martin; brother Leslie Martin, Jr.; and sisters Jane Guileri and Rosemary Nielsen.
His family wishes to thank his caregivers and doctors, who gave him such compassionate care, especially over the past 1-1/2 years.
A Rosary is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Willows. A Funeral Mass is planned for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, also at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Willows.
Graveside services are to follow at the Willows Cemetery, Veterans section. A reception and celebration of life are planned to immediately follow at the St. Monica Parish Hall.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of F.D. Sweet and Son of Willows.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert Martin to St. Monica’s Catholic Church Building Fund, VFW Post 1770, St Jude’s Children Hospital, the Ferndale Museum, or any favorite charity.
The Glenn County Observer 