Robert J. Martin, Sr.

Robert Joseph Martin Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025. He was born on May 4, 1934, to Elene (Rousseau) and Steve Martin in Chicago, IL where he spent an interesting youth riding street cars and the “L”, and learning how to get along with the variety of people he encountered there.

The ‘50’s found him welcomed by the Army to the Korean conflict, where it was discovered that he had no vision in his left eye. This did not prevent him from being placed in a print division and stationed in Japan, where he developed a great fondness for the country and its people. He also enjoyed the friendship of a fellow soldier from Hawaii, and a lifelong love for there as well. He really never experienced combat.

Upon returning to the states, he married the first love of his life, Bernice Buis. They had three sons; Bill, Bob Jr. and Brian. She passed away in 1983, after a five year battle with cancer. During her life, Bev was interested in family history, and she discovered through military discharge papers, that Bob’s father was in reality Stephen Mussato, an Italian immigrant. This identified Bob as a first generation born American on that side, and led to many interesting stories and discoveries.

Bob had experienced many employment opportunities by then, including “runner “ at the Chicago Board of Trade (where he later became a Member); shoe salesman, and American correspondent for Reuters News Service. There were many wonderful perks to this job, but he absolutely hated writing! After Bev’s passing, he once again became a Board of Trade Member, joining the Kansas City Value Line. He loved this job, but the many stresses were intolerable, and he went to work for the USDA.

In the midst of these ventures, he had met the second love of his life, and always said that he had enjoyed two wonderful marriages. Catherine (Cayo) Felkner joined him in 1985, and added her children to the mix, Gary Felkner and Terri Canfield. Together, they have 16 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and several unofficially adopted children and their respective families which makes for quite a “mixed bag of marbles” as a friend once said.

Bob’s faith to God has been deep, and his commitment to “tithing” unshakable. He was a dedicated spouse and friend to many, and in recent years especially to his men’s coffee group, affectionately called “The Do Nothings”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's name are suggested to Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry or Lutheran World Relief.

[A heartfelt thank you to all who have shown us love and support through our lives, esp. our church pastors and the Kansas City Hospice Group. As Bob always said, with God, our family and friends, “We have enough”. Thank you, everyone…]