Sir Robert just after being knighted and receiving the French Legion of Honor Medal 2007

This online memorial was created in loving memory of Robert M. Martin by son Bob, who is known locally as "Randy."  We will share his life story  throughout this memorial website. Please sign Dad's guest book and let us know you came by to visit.  The site is best enjoyed with your speaker on so you may enjoy the musical selections that are a part of this tribute.

If you have a story or would like to have a picture posted, please contact Bob by emailing him at RIFS@zoominternet.net. Come back periodically as this memorial will likely change often. We will remember Robert forever.

Thanks for visiting!

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Robert M. Martin, 89, of the Irishtown Mountain area in Dunbar Township died about 5:40 PM, July 11th, 2010 in the Uniontown Hospital Hospice surrounded by family and friends.  He was born January 9, 1921 in the Dunbar Mountains, one of eight children of the late Dennis and Agnes (McClain) Martin.  He married his childhood sweetheart Sally Hardy Martin before heading off to the war in 1944.  Robert was a proud World War II Army Veteran serving as a Sergeant in the 208th Combat Engineers which led him from the beaches of Normandy, France through to Berlin, Germany.  He worked at the Dunbar Wire Glass and was a foreman for Gerome Manufacturing and Fruehauf Corporation before retiring.

Robert was a founding member of the Irishtown Sportmans Club, the Dunbar Historical Society, Past Post Commander - Dunbar American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, was a former Boy Scout Commissioner and member of the Old Time Fiddler’s Association.   Robert was likely best known for his participating in nearly every Memorial Day parade in Dunbar, PA since he returned from WWII.  He was knighted by France in 2007 into their Legion of Honor for his efforts during the war. 

He is predeceased by wife Sally, his parents, six brothers and sisters – Libby, Emery, Jeanette, Virginia, Perry and Donald. Robert is survived by his son Robert “Randy” Martin and wife Gayle, two grandchildren Monika and Zackary Robert, brother Oliver “Wayne” Martin, special nieces and nephews,  many cousins, his close friend Antoinette Matthews and the caring extended family at the Uniontown Senior Life Center, especially Kara and Lee Anne.  He was always honored and blessed to have a large number of friends and family who showed him great love and affection over the years.

Funeral arrangements were wonderfully handled by the Burhan-Crouse Funeral Home, of Dunbar, PA.  We will always be eternally grateful to Charlie Crouse and his team for creating a beautiful full lilitary honors sendoff for Dad.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested that donations be made to any of the following worthy causes in Robert’s honor – Dunbar Boy Scout Troop 180, the Dunbar Historical Society or the American Cancer Society.

1. Dunbar Boy Scout Troop 180 - c/o treasurer, 610 Gettamy Road, Dunbar, PA  15431

2. The Dunbar Historical Society - 42 Bridge Street, Dunbar, PA   15431

3. The American Cancer Society - https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/index and click the "Honor Gift" tab

Sir Wayne and Sir Robert - Knights of the French Legion of Honor

All four Martin brothers fought in World War II.  It was a long way from the hills of Irishtown to the war-torn, battlefields of Europe.