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In Memory

Robert Dale Martin - Class Of 1940 VIEW PROFILE

Robert Dale Martin

 

Robert D. Martin

Sept. 2, 1922 - Sept. 10, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Robert “Bob” Martin passed away on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 in his home. Bob was born in Fulton, IN to Lester and Dortha Martin. During early childhood, Bob's family moved to South Bend. Bob graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1940.

After graduating high school, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September 1940 and was stationed in Panama, British Guiana, India and China. Bob was assigned to flight engineer on B-18s prior to entering the Aviation Cadet Program. After combat training he was assigned to the 14th Air Force. He served with the China Air Task Force, The Flying Tigers 23rd Fighter Group, 74th fighter squadron, in Kweilin China in July 1944 flying P-40 and then P-51s through 1945. After serving over 7 years overseas, Bob met his beloved wife, Carole in Denver, CO. They were married Feb. 24, 1946. Bob continued his active duty in the Air Force in Troop Carrier, Air Training and Air Transport Commands in North Carolina, Texas, Hawaii and New York.

After 21 years of honorable service, Bob retired Lt. Colonel. He then brought his family home to South Bend in 1961. Bob started his second career in business as Credit Manager of The South Bend Clinic. In 1967, he joined Collection Service, Inc. as Manager. Bob and Carole, in 1979, opened their own collection agency, CBM Accounts Service. Together they grew their business representing medical providers in the regional area.

Bob retired permanently in 1993. Bob and Carole were avid golfers and bowlers. They often traveled with friends on golf trips. Bob was a member of the Flying Tigers Association, attending annual conventions around the country. He maintained his commercial pilot rating for many years. Bob was a lifetime member of Elk's Lodge #235, a trustee, named Elk of the Year, and with wife Carole volunteered for many years at the lodge. Carole preceded in death in 2009. Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a humble man and a gentleman. He had a quick wit and was the master of “one liners”.

The Martin Family would like to thank the caregivers, Keri, Janet and Anne and Shawn, his nurse Tracy and the staff of the Center for Hospice for all their efforts to help us keep Bob comfortable at home.

Surviving is his son, Robert “Rob” Martin, Jr. (Cathy) of South Bend, daughter, Linda Giemza (Glenn), of Oak Creek, WI, grandson, Chase Martin, granddaughters, Tracee Casey (John) and Carrie Casey of Green Bay, WI, and 4 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Martin and grandson, Robert D. Martin, III.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 pm, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 12:00. Memorial donations may be directed to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. To leave an online condolence to the Martin family, please visit the Chapel Hill website at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.
 

Published by South Bend Tribune on Sep. 13, 2016.

Sources: Ancestry.com and Legacy.com

10/04/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/robert-martin-obituary?id=12627406&fhid=8832



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