Robert Alvin Martin

Robert Alvin Martin, 91, went peacefully to the outstretched arms of his Lord and savior Jesus Christ on Sunday morning October 7, 2018. He was born on November 19, 1926 in Ft Smith, Arkansas to Joe Martin and Minnie Melissa Kaufman Martin. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of (49) years, Mary Dinsmore Martin. his wife Jo Glass Martin. his parents, his sisters Faye Sloat and Mildred Lively, and his brother Joe Martin Jr. He was a World War II Navy veteran, a Machinist mate, serving on a submarine chaser. After he returned home he married. In 1958 he co-founded Anderson Martin Machine Company. He was known by his employees and a host of young men as "Big Daddy" or "Daddy Bob". He was a member of First Baptist Church since 1952 where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher of 15-year old boys along with Art Lairamore for twenty years. Bob loved the hymns of our faith. He was full of wisdom and pithy sayings which are frequently quoted by family and friends. A talented story teller, he authored his autobiographical "the Thirties Boy," recalling stories from his colorful life as a boy growing up in the thirties in Fort Smith. He had many wise saying that are oft repeated by friends and loved ones. One was " far better to travel expectantly than to arrive." "Grandman" as he was lovingly called by his grandchildren is survived by his five children, Imelda McClinton and David of Fayetteville, Bob Martin Jr. of Ft smith, Elizabeth Moore and Bob of Rudy, Wendell Martin and Becky of Ft. Smith, and Sarah Ash and Rick of Rogers, thirteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. When asked in September what he would like to say in his obituary he laughed and replied. "Tell everyone that from the cradle to the grave it's been a wonderful life." Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at Edwards Funeral Home. Burial will be 12 noon Thursday at Oak Cemetery, followed by the memorial service at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 609, Ft. Smith, Ark. 72902. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.