Robert L. Martin, age 76, resident of Crestline, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2009 at his home.

Born May 9, 1933 in Wayland, Kentucky to Burnis and Gladys (Parker) Martin, he had been a Crestline area resident the majority of his life. Robert served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953 - 1955. He was employed at Ohio Steel Tube from 1951 - 1973 and had owned and operated Martin's Tire, of Crestline, for 42 years.

He attended the Shelby Church of God and was a member of the National Rifle Association and AARP. Robert loved fishing, gardening, hunting, and most of all he loved spending time with his family and his church family.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Carol (Pfleiderer) Martin, whom he wed May 14, 1955; two sons, Rodney Martin (and friend, Sharon Garrison) of Crestline; and Keith (Karman) Martin of Galion; his grandchildren, Cynthia (Mark) Ady, Robert Martin, Rodney, Jr. (Rachel) Martin, Allison Martin, Kyle Martin, AJ (Misuzu) Utter, Justina Rhinehart and Colt Kelso; his great-grandchildren, Brenden and Kirsten Ady, Vanessa and Donahvin Martin and Jamee Fraiser; one brother, Bernie (Wonnie) Martin, of Shelby; two sisters, Christine Hicks of Shelby and Alice Salisbury, of Parkman, Ohio; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Homer Hicks and James Salisbury.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Monday, November 2, 2009 from the Barkdull Funeral Home in Shelby. Pastor Rick Lewis, of the Shelby Church of God, will officiate with interment in Maple Grove Cemetery, New Haven. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial expressions may be made to the American Heart Association.