Robert Willis Martin

Robert Willis Martin
Robert Willis Martin

Robert Willis Martin, 80, passed away on April 1, 2021, in Amarillo, Texas.

He was born February 13, 1941, in West Plains, Missouri to Joe and Mary Ferguson Martin.

Bob married Gwendoline Sylvia Fleming Rodriguez from High Wycombe, England on June 26, 1964.

He is survived by his wife and his immediate family: son, Steve Rodriguez of Springfield, Missouri; daughter, Linda Sue Montano and her son Phillip Montano of Los Lunas, New Mexico, grandsons Michael Baca (Kylee), Michael and Blaine of Belen, New Mexico, and Richard Rodriguez (Ana), Kenneth and Shannon of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and son, Robert Joseph Martin (Pearl) of Amarillo, Texas, grandson Andrew Martin of Anchorage, Alaska, and granddaughter Audrey Hayes (Tyler) and Lyla of Newark, Delaware.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jo Moore (James) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; brothers-in-law, David Fleming (Sheila), England, and Christopher Fleming (Marie), Australia; sister-in-law, Georgina Franklin (Graham), Australia; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob’s parents and granddaughter, Shannon LaReine Rodriguez, preceded him in death.

Bob attended West Plains schools and played Zizzer Basketball under Coach Jim Peters, graduating with honors in 1959. He received a scholastic scholarship to Central Institute of Technology in Kansas City, Missouri, where he received a degree in Electronic Engineering.

He worked for Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico for much of his career. Bob saw various duty stations including Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Nevada Test Site, and many Air Force bases around the country. He was a member of a civilian flight crew that flew scientific missions on special C135 aircrafts over Antarctica and the North Pole Region during the 1960’s. Bob was in charge of component testing for Sandia during underground tests at the Nevada Test Site during 1970’s and early 1980’s. He enjoyed working with the US Air Force and Navy while interfacing various weapon systems to the F111, F4, B52 and B1 aircrafts.

Bob and Gwen moved to Amarillo from Albuquerque in 1988 where he worked as Sandia’s representative to the Pantex Plant. He retired in 1999 at the age of 58, following a career of 38 years.

For leisure, Bob enjoyed many fishing and camping trips to the lakes and mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. He also enjoyed working in his woodshop, creating, repairing, and building pieces of furniture for the family home and as gifts for family members.

Bob loved the Lord and was a member of Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas.

Private family services will be held.

11 Replies to “Robert Willis Martin”

  1. Robert, We are very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Hope that God has comforted you and your family during this difficult time.

  2. Gwen I am so sorry about Bob. You took such good care of your husband when you could. Love you and sending prayers to you🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙

  3. Gwendoline, we are all so very sorry to hear about Bob’s death, you and your family are all in our prayers.

  4. Gwen and Family, we are so sorry for your loss!! You and Bob were such good neighbors and friends to us and our kids!! Praying for you, Les and Carla Hoyt

  5. Robert, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s death. He has such a distinguished service, and I know you’ll miss him. Gwen, You and Pearl, and Andrew and Audrey, are in my prayers for comfort and peace.
    Sandra Martin Carruth

  6. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and neighbor. He was always willing to help when needed. -Jennifer (Lederer) McClain and family

  7. Condolences and prayers for the family. Always so nice and friendly. A wonderful tribute to his accomplishments.

  8. Robert, we were so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. What a distinguished career he had, and what a bright man he must have been. It is clearly a loss to the whole community in which he lived. You and Pearl and your children will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this hard time. Again, so grieved for you all…

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