Robert E. Martin Jr.

Robert “Bob” E. Martin Jr. passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in his final days.

Bob was born on August 20, 1947, in Wabash, Indiana, to Robert and Ruth Martin. He spent his childhood in Lafontaine, Indiana, immersed in nature, building things, figuring out anything mechanical, and being a big brother. He loved studying insects, catching frogs, watching birds and fishing. There was always a project underway, usually involving an engine, and he was happiest working alongside his dad and friends.

As a teenager, Bob spent his summers helping farmers with crops and hay, doing small landscaping jobs, and learning beekeeping, eventually keeping hives of his own. He saved every dollar to buy a motorcycle, which he described as a “good investment” as it was practical transportation and, of course, many hours of entertainment.

Bob attended Indiana Wesleyan University, where he considered studying engineering, but landed on chemistry instead-a fitting path for a man who would spend his life curious about how things worked and forever conducting his own experiments.

After graduation, Bob moved to Sycamore, Illinois, to work at Anaconda, where he met his wife, Connie. They were happily married in 1972 and spent their honeymoon on a cross-country motorcycle adventure, setting the tone for the life they would build together.

Bob was a devoted husband to Connie and a reliable father to Matthew, Andrew and Jessica. He had his own special nickname for each family member, and “I beg pardon” was a familiar refrain, delivered in a way that was unmistakably Bob. For his children, reminiscing about their dad always brings deep laughter and joy. The stories shared prove that he marched to the beat of his own drum, and his dry, peculiar sense of humor was uniquely his. He loved and lived in his own way, and there will never be another quite like him.

Bob worked incredibly hard throughout his life to provide for his family. He was curious about everything-a builder, fixer, inventor, creator and lifelong experimenter. He was always figuring something out. He gardened, foraged, hunted and fished. These pursuits led to winemaking, beer brewing, sauerkraut making, and many wonderful meals, including delicious bread, pancakes and pie crusts with his 30-year-old sourdough starter.

Bob loved history and would weave it into family vacations and road trips. One particular journey was visiting several civil war battlefields, including Shiloh National Military Park. He loved walking through pioneer cemeteries and burial grounds, and always took the time to read roadside historical markers. Everything was a teaching moment.

An excellent marksman, Bob spent many hours target and trap shooting, both on his own and in leagues. He had a great deal of love and respect for guns. He made his own bullets and reloaded ammunition throughout his life, starting as a teenager. He found solace in winter walks and knew the Kishwaukee River well from years of trapping. Bob had an extraordinary bond with dogs, as they all seemed to recognize a kindred spirit.

Bob is survived by his wife, Connie; his children, Matthew (Tiffany) Martin, Andrew (Yesenia) Martin, and Jessica (Julian) Baack; father to his grandsons, Andrew (Michelle) Baack; his grandchildren, Jett Baack, Dashel Baack, and Lula Martin; his sister, Mary (David) Morgan; his brothers-in law, Mike (Anne) McMillan and Dale (Mary Jo) McMillan; many special nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews; and his granddogs, Salix and Ruthie.

He is now reunited with his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, Bernie and Alice McMillan, and all the dogs he loved.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 9th, at the Sycamore United Methodist Church, (160 Johnson St. in Sycamore) at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m.   Burial will follow at the Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Dementia Society of America in Robert’s name.

The family invites you to honor Bob by staying curious, trying something new, taking an adventure, observing nature, and, unapologetically, following your own unique path.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com