SFC Robert “Shaft” William Martin

SFC Robert William “Shaft” Martin was a loving Husband, doting Father, endearing Son, dutiful Soldier, loyal Brother, and an outright hard-ass. In the early morning hours of Saturday, 06 October 2018, this mortal world lost his physical presence as The Father called him home for his eternal rest. Visitation: 6:00-8:00 PM, Sunday, October 14, 2018, Biggers Funeral Home. Service: 10:00 AM, Monday October 15, 2018 Biggers Funeral Home Chapel. Military Graveside: 12:30 PM, Monday, Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

As a child, Little Robert was adventurous and helpful. He was always getting into something or other, but rarely caught because he was articulate and intelligent enough to speak his way out of it. He never met a stranger and spent his life helping those who needed it, no matter who they were. If you knew him, you could not help but love him. Little Robert lived a life of travel and adventure, culminating in his first enlistment with the Texas National Guard. A highly decorated NonCommissioned Officer in the United States Army, SFC Martin had 3 deployments spread over Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. He spoke often of what an honor it was to serve. His Soldiers both admired and respected him, knowing that he would always be there to support them and lead from the front. SFC Martin was a graduate of numerous military schools to include Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, Joint Firepower, and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Special Warfare school. Along with numerous other awards he received the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Army Commendation Medal (5th Oak Leaf Cluster). SFC Martin was the embodiment of the NCO Creed and the Army Values. For years, Shaft was a loyal Brother in the Rough Riders Motorcycle Club. He loved his Brothers as his own and whether deployed or at home he was never shy about letting people know. He rode coast to coast on his motorcycle supporting Veterans and wore the biggest smile to remove all doubt as to whether he loved what he was doing or not. Shaft was the epitome of the club motto. “For those who came home. For those who did not come home. For those who have yet to come home.” On 07 July 2006 William married his wife Tina. How he was able to find the one woman in the world who could match the love he gave is inconceivable. After four and a half years of marriage they welcomed their first child, Laney JoAnn on 20 March 2011. Their love for Laney was so vast that on 06 January 2015 Carli Jannette made her appearance to complete their family. While the rigors of the Army and life were at times overwhelming, William will always be remembered as a devoted Husband and loving Father.

William is survived by his wife Tina, daughter’s Laney and Carli, his grandmother Frankie Blair, his grandmother Jannette Martin, his grandfather Ronnie Martin, his mother Jodie Blair, his father Robert Martin, his brother Keith Martin, his sister Mistie Martin, multiple uncles and aunts, many cousins, and an infinite number of Brothers given to him by the Army and his Club.