Robert F. Martin

December 26, 1945 - April 20, 2023

12/26/1945 - 04/20/2023

Lt Colonel Robert F. Martin (Bob), of Virginia Beach, died peacefully at home on April 20, 2023 after a lengthy illness. He was born December 26, 1945 to the late Mary Alice and James Martin in Arizona. 

Bob’s early years were spent moving 26 times from base to base with his military family, to wherever his father was stationed at the time, including time spent in Australia, North Carolina, New York and Hawaii. After graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Army where he served our country for 20 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam as a pilot. While serving in Vietnam, he met his beloved wife Anne. She was an Army nurse and they were united in marriage on July 25, 1970. 

Bob’s distinguished career of military, and government service included Infantry, Armor, Cavalry, Aviation and Special Operations units. He spent his last five years of active duty as the Army’s Counterterrorist Staff Officer with a two year detail to a national level intelligence agency conducting operations in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. His dedicated service was recognized through many medals and awards, including six awards for valor and thirty three awards for service to the United States and foreign governments. Among them were the Legion of Merit, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. 

He valued education, and was an avid reader. He had a vast knowledge of military history. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Aviation Management. He then graduated from the US Army Command and General Staff College and received his MBA from Indiana University. 

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Anne Fraser Martin, sister Nancy Cherrington (Raleigh, NC), daughter Laura Stapleton (Michael) and three grandchildren, Patrick, Erin and Mary Frances Stapleton, all of Elkton, Virginia. He is also survived by his sister in law Mary Fraser Mooneyham, niece Angie Tomlinson and nephew Corey Mooneyham, all of Bedford, Indiana, and many other extended family and friends. 

In the years since his retirement, he worked as a bookkeeper for the Church of the Holy Apostles Episcopal and Roman Catholic Congregation. He and Anne spent many hours volunteering together at the church as well. There will be no memorial service at this time. His remains will interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Holy Apostles 1593 Lynnhaven Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23453 

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”

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Mary Donnelly
10 months ago

So sorry for your loss prayers for you and family

emma mooneyham
11 months ago

i’ll miss you uncle bob💔
i wish i was able to see you more, but im very thankful i was able to see you when you’d come down to grandma mary’s. i hope anne and the rest of my family are doing well❤️

Peyton von Hirsch
11 months ago

Eric and I are so sorry for your loss Anne. We are thinking of you and your family during this very sad time.

Ed and Jessica Stack
11 months ago

Anne, Jessica and I are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I know that Bob was struggling with his illness, but Bob was a warrior, and he kept up the good fight. As next door neighbors, we enjoyed the conversations we had with you and Bob, over the backyard fence, and during visits to your home. He was your life companion for more than fifty years, and you can draw strength from the memories that you created together, and from the support of family and friends. Bob was one of a kind, and we’ll miss his company and his sense of humor (he was a hoot!).

Meghan
11 months ago

I am so sorry to hearing the passing of Bob but is happy he is not longer in pain due to his long illness. Bob loved his friends and family, wife and his four legged fur babies. Bob you will be missed

Kerry McCaig
11 months ago

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Love to Anne, Laura, and the rest of the friends and family who were close to Bob as they come to terms with their loss and process their grief. I wish all peace; Bob was a good man.

Bonnie & Lee Startt
11 months ago

Bob will be so missed. We really enjoyed all the wonderful little chats we have had over these last years.

Kevin Bae
11 months ago

Laura, thinking of you and your Dad’s amazing career of service to our country. What a patriot.

Ann Delaney
11 months ago

Bob was a patriot, but he was also a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a wonderful friend. His sense of humor was unique as was his sense of duty for whatever he signed up for. He had the best care ever from Anne and his family. We’re thankful to have known Bob. He is missed

Al and Sue Stoudnour
11 months ago

Al and I loved and respected Bob. We are grateful for his service to our country.
He will truly be missed in our neighborhood. Our condolences go out to Anne and his entire family.