Robert "Big Bob" Martin

Robert “Big Bob” Martin, 62 of Palestine, IL, died at 5:40 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2017 in the comfort of his home. He was born August 22, 1954 in Vandalia, IL, the son of Gerald & Pauline (Miller) Martin, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his son, Garrison & Sierra Martin (Nashville, TN); by two grandchildren, Thaddeus Martin and Garrison Martin, Jr. (Nashville, TN); by Irene Martin, the mother of Garrison (Nashville, TN); by his sister & brother-in-law, Linda & Mike Elder (Palestine, IL); by his nephews, Shawn & Lori Elder (Palestine, IL), Dusty & Kristie Elder (Palestine, IL), Jeramie Elder (Palestine, IL), and Don & Kalley York (Chillicothe, IL); by his niece, Jessica & Jess Wesley (New Hebron, IL); as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews. “Big Bob” was a 1972 graduate of Oblong High School. His love for people lead him to become a paramedic. Anyone who knew him could attest to his love of music, which brought him to form the band Ennis and the Outlaws. This same love of music led him to move to Nashville, TN, where he pursued a music career. He loved to entertain people, and could sing and play guitar like no other. As he grew a little older, he decided to take up the CB and HAM radios. “Big Bob” met so many good and kind people that have helped him to be able to talk to people all over the world. His dog Hannah was always by his side, even while he was talking on his radio. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A time of visitation will precede the service and will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crawford County Humane Society, with envelopes available at the funeral home.