John Robert Martin was born in Phoenix and grew up in Denton, TX. He graduated from Denton High School and the University of North Texas. In 1963, he married his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Frances (Polston) Martin. They were married for 58 years (“went steady” for 6 years before that). They spent 64 years together and only six months apart.

Bob raised his family in the Mid-Cities area and passed into the arms of Jesus one day after his 80th birthday.

Bob was a wonderful husband and a dedicated, hardworking father, raising a daughter and son who love and admire him greatly.  Bob earned a Ph.D. in 1986, which he amazingly completed as he taught full time and had a daughter who was a senior in high school and a son in 9th grade.  “Dr. Bob,” as many called him, served through teaching mathematics for over 45 years at TCJC/TCC. Like his wife, he loved to help others, and did so by tutoring many students in math over the years. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Hurst where he taught Bible studies and started two Connection classes.  Bob was a gifted teacher of both mathematics and the Bible.

Bob greatly enjoyed riding his Harley until fairly recently, and traveling in his RV with all his family.  Bob and Fran made so many special trips to Red River, NM, different parts of Colorado and the trip of a lifetime to Alaska! Bob loved spending time with his twin sisters and their families, as well as with his brother- and sister-in-law and their children. His happiest times were being with family. His immediate family will forever cherish the many meals, sporting events and holidays we were blessed to spend with “Pops.”  He also had a lifelong love for Jesus!

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, E.H “Bud” and Lois Martin, and his wife, Frances. He is survived by daughter Karen Martin Ford (husband, Jerry), son Craig Martin (wife, Celia) and two grandsons: Jerrod Martin Ford and John Morgan Ford, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. Bob is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Martin Brown (husband, John) and May Martin Brown (husband, Randy) sister-in-law, Jacqueline Polston Blakley (husband, Frank), several cousins and many nieces and nephews.  Bob was a dedicated Christian, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend who spent his life serving others.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Memorial Gifts can be made to First Baptist Church Hurst Missions, or The Navigators.

 

Visitation

Monday, March 28

Forest Park Funeral Home,

4:00-6:00 a.m. Central Time

8525 Mid Cities Blvd.

North Richland Hills, TX 76182

 

 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Tuesday, March 29
10:00 a.m. Central Time
First Baptist Church - Hurst
1801 Norwood Drive
Hurst, TX 76054

 

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

TUESDAY, MARCH 29

2:30 p.m. Central Time

Roselawn Memorial Park

3801 Roselawn Dr.

Denton, TX 76207

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