Robert Lee Martin was born and raised in the Barton Chapel community, where he spent most of his life. He comes from a long line of Texas cattle ranchers, and along with caring for his own herd, he spent many years traveling to sale barns order buying for Clifton Cattle Company. As a lifetime member of the National Cutting Horse Association, he had a true passion for raising cutting horses along with ranch horses of all types. And, as a one-time pilot,

Robert Lee enjoyed traveling with his wife, Virginia, and their many friends. He loved a good time, a good horse, a fast Mercedes car, and his TCU Horned Frogs.

Robert Lee and Virginia were married at the First United Methodist Church in Jacksboro on Aug. 5, 1961. He was a member of the Jack County Sheriff’s Posse, on the Jack County Fair Association Board, on the Board of Directors for Southern Security Life Insurance, and was a charter member of the Jack County Welfare Board. In his love of church and community, Robert Lee began the video ministries of the First United Methodist Church in Jacksboro, where he served as a long-time trustee along with filling various positions.

Robert Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Irvin Lee and Mary Arlene Franklin Martin; his brother, Franklin Martin; his sister, Joan Smith and husband Joe; and his grandson, Carter Jean Thornton.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; son, Keith Martin and his wife, Tamara; daughter, Karen Thornton and her husband, Mike; grandchildren Kayla Martin and Worth Thornton; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Martin; his niece, Tammye Isbell and husband Brian, and their sons Seth and Wynn; his nephew, Matt Smith; his niece, Leslie Kay Smith; and many other extended family members.

The family would also like to thank Callie Pippin for the love and care that she gave Robert Lee in his last months on this earth.

Pallbearers included Gary Nebgen, Cal Francis, Kevin Thomas, Billy Joe Easter, Brian Isbell, and Colby Newbrough. Honorary Pallbearers were John Finn Causey, Jerry Wolfe, George Williams, Clinton Easter, Bill Brimberry, Scotty Teague, Jose Vela, Jimmy Killian, Louis Noto, Terry Lewis, Ridley Gibson, John Pierce, R.C. Langford, and Ronnie McNutt.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the First United Methodist Church in Jacksboro. Interment followed at Barton Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the following: Carter Thornton Memorial Scholarship Fund, 206 Thornton Trail, Jacksboro, Texas 76458; or First United Methodist Church of Jacksboro, 406 N. Main Street, Jacksboro, Texas 76458