Bob Martin, Sr.

J. Robert (Bob) Martin, Sr., 64, of Forest Hill, Md., died Sunday, Aug. 24, when his Czechoslovakian L-39 military fighter jet crashed a few miles from his home. The president of Forest Hill Construction Company, Inc., Martin owned the Forest Hill Industrial Airpark and was an avid pilot and aircraft owner, collector, and enthusiast.

Martin grew up on a farm in Forest Hill, Md., the fourth of eight children of Lilace and the late Charles J. Martin. While in the engineering company in the Army 101st Airborne Division, he attended the University of Kentucky and acquired his passion for flying while serving as a paratrooper. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Clark, in 1963, and produced a daughter, a devoted homemaker, and a son, a commercial airline pilot.

After serving in the military, Martin obtained a job with the Kefauver Lumber Co. where he learned construction skills. He formed his own company in 1967, beginning with home remodeling and progressing to commercial real estate development.

A warm and generous man with a clever sense of humor, Martin was an astute and visionary businessman with an adventurous spirit. In addition to flying, Martin went big game hunting in Africa, South America, Alaska, the Arctic Circle, and western US, skiing in the Rockies, traveling throughout the United States and Europe, and was a regular tennis player. He was a long-time member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Forest Hill, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, and Safari Club International.

Martin is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Mary; their two children, Julie Greene of White Hall and Bob Martin, Jr. of Forest Hill; five grandchildren, Audrey and John Greene, both of White Hall and Kaley, Riley, and Ethan Martin, all of Forest Hill; as well as by his mother Lilace Martin of Pylesville; brothers Joseph Martin of Forest Hill, Thomas Martin of Pylesville, Samuel Martin of Pylesville, Steven Martin of Pylesville; and sisters June Jones and Carolyn Wilson, both of Forest Hill. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Bailey.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to St. Ignatius Church, 533 East Jarrettsville Rd., Forest Hill, MD 21050, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1021 St. Mary’s Road, Pylesville, MD 21132 or Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 4603 Rocks Road, Street, MD 21154.