Dr. Robert Martin
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Dr. Robert “R. C.” Martin, 69, Lee’s Summit, MO passed away May 24, 2008 at home. Dr. Martin was born October 30, 1938. He is a graduate of University of Florida, where he received his B.A., M.A. and PhD. Dr. Martin recently retired from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, where he served as a professor of psychology for over 30 years. He has also taught in the psychology departments of Hollins College, University of Kentucky, and the University of Florida. Dr. Martin was the developer of the Quality of Motivation Theory, QMtheory.com. He loved; fishing in Branson on the pontoon with the family; hunting with his two dogs, Atlas and Dagny; and working with his beloved Red Tail Hawk (Grush), which he did studies with and published in psychology papers and even was included on the cover of the American Rifleman magazine. He was a instrument rated, flight instructor as well. Survivors include: father, Howell Martin, Texarkana, TX; wife, Debbie Martin, of the home; daughter & son in law, Paige & Robert McClellan, Harrisonville, MO; son & daughter in law, Steven & Amy Martin, Kirksville, MO; son, Robert Martin, Lee’s Summit, MO; daughter, Shannon Follis, Blue Springs, MO; sister & brother in law, Debbie & Buford Grady, Batesville, AR; grandchildren, Tina & Lilly Harold, Wesley & Allison Martin, and Abby Follis. He was preceded in death by mother, Marjorie (Butler) Martin; and sister, Sybil Stone. (arr. Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 816-313-1677
Visits: 11
Howell; We are so sorry,and we grieve for you. Sincerely,Genny And Dude
I know this is a sad time for you & I am so sorry.
I WAS VERY SORRY TO LEARN OF THE DEATH OF R. C. AND EXTEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HOWELL MARTIN AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY.
C. L. RAY
My heart goes out to the family especially father Howell who will miss him deeply.
Howell and family, I am so sorry and I know he fought a long and brave fight.
My deepest sympathy to Debbie and Chris’ family. Doc was not only a good friend but a faithful mentor and guide during two decades of application of his theories in the work environment. His guidance and direction will be sorely missed.
Debbie, we are sorry to hear about Chris’s passing & we are writing to extend to you and your family our most sincere sympathy. We will cherish the time we spent with you two in Toronto and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. So glad we got to finally meet Chris & experience the “Falls” with him. Believe that he deserves the peace he now enjoys. Your best friends from Western NY. Love to you, PJ & Paul
Howell, Kim and I wish you the best in the healing of your heart; we know R C is in a better place, and we continue to believe we will someday all be united with our loved ones. We pray God will make himself even more aware to you than before..
Brent & Kim
Our heartfelt condolences to Deb and Howell. A pilot and a poet, Chris achieved excellence in a number of fields. Such endeavors included hunting, fishing, photography, and writing. And, of course, being a professor of psychology, and thus a scholar, researcher, and teacher. Asteadfast friend, he was a man to ride the river with.
We’ll miss you, old friend.
Our heartfelt condolences to Deb and Howell. A pilot and a poet, photographer and professor, Chris was truly a Renaissance man. asteadfast friend, he was a man to rie the river with. We’ll miss you, old friend.
Chris will be gravely missed not just as my former professor and mentor but also as a very good friend who I looked to for guidance. He is finally at peace. He was very lucky to find you Deb when he did, as you took great care of him. My love for Chris leaves a hole in my heart which can not be filled.
Dr. R. C. Martin was different things to different people. To some he was a uniquely American patriot who did not seek fame, fortune, or glory from his exploits in a silent service to his country. He did his job quietly and professionally and mostly without recognition except for those in the know. He worked in the shadows on some of the most complex issues of the cold war and never uttered a word. His mind was unmatched. To you ole buddy, we toast you and celebrate your life.
Deb,
Thank you so much for letting us know about Chris. We are so, so sorry he had to go through such pain and misery. His bright spot in every day life was you, Deb. Thank you for being there for him.
As I was mowing the lawn this afternoon, as usual I was thinking of Chris. He was always such an encourager to both Roger and I. One time he had remarked how Roger & I helped each other in various chores around the farm.
We extend our sympathies to you and Chris’s children and dad.
Your friends,
Roger & Lynn
Debbie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris was a remarkable and intelligent man. Last time we saw him he told me how fortunate he was to have you and how much he appreciated the care and support you have provided him for the last few years. Every time we hear about Cabella’s we think of Chris. I’ll miss the “discussions” he and I had in Mom and Dad’s livingroom in front of the fireplace. You are one cool sis and not only was Chris lucky to have you, so are we. Love ya!
A short three years ago, I met Chris when I interviewed at UMKC. Despite our common interest in psychology, what we quickly bonded over was the Fouke Monster. Over the past couple of years, he was very interested in and supportive of my career. Even in the most difficult of times, he was quick to fire off an email of praise. Although I did not get to spend much time with him, I will miss Dr. Martin greatly.
My father is such a strong man. I am eternally grateful for the time I had with him on this earth. He taught me many things, first and foremost to be strong. I am having to put that to the test at the present time. I am eternally in Debbie’s debt for loving him and taking care of him all these years. I know he loved you very much. He wouldn’t want me to be sad but only to celebrate his life. I intend to do that. I will be fine Dad. I know you are watching me and your grandchildren everyday. Thank you everyone for your support and kind words.
Susan Paige McClellan (Martin)
I WAS VERY SORRY TO LEARN OF R.C.’s DEATH AND EXTEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY. AS ONE WHO KNOWS, IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR A FATHER TO LOSE ONE OR MORE OF HIS CHILDREN. I KNOW THAT YOU AND R.C. WERE CLOSE BECAUSE I HAVE HEARD YOU TALK OF HIM MANY, MANY TIMES. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF,
C. L. Ray
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Chris. He was a great person and a friend to many. He will be missed.
We are saddened with the passing of our dear son-in-law. Our Sunday dinners will never be the same without him. He always wanted his roast beef and we enjoyed making it for him. Chris would always brag how Debbie made him breakfast in bed everyday which made us girls look bad! It was our pleasure having him at all our family gatherings. The kids just adored him and were always fascinated by all the weapons he showed them how to make.
Branson is the perfect resting spot for Chris. That is where he and Debbie would always be and we enjoyed several fishing “adventures” with him as well.
The world has lost a great one. Our family feels a great loss as we are sure his family does as well, so we would like to extend our sympathies to them. Rest well Chris, you fought a great battle. We love. Roger and Patsy
I send you my sincere and deepest thoughts, condolences and grief for your loss.
I liked Chris so very much…like everyone he met I am sure… his demeanor.. his class… his presence…. makes a person highly respect him.. and want to be closer to him and emulate his persona in a way that one only hopes for such ambition and success as he has executed in his lifetime… he touched my heart and made me feel welcome in his presence.
I loved what I witnessed when I met you together as a couple… pure love shown between you two. First as your boyfriend and then as your husband.
For you to choose this man, it made him more special and solid, knowing you and what you stand for. Then learning as a witness that this love was reciprocated by him…seeing you two together… I can only hope for such a love and commitment toby someone. He will be greatly missed Deb, and I wish you well. Love Kristin
Chris was like an uncle to me. My parents always got excited when he came to town. I was not always that excited as a child because I knew I had to go sleep with my brother. Chris’s visits were always exciting. My mom cooked some gourmet dish (could be something he killed and brought with him) and alot of jokes were told. There were usually tales from the past and laughing (lots of airplane stories). Chris watched me grow up, saw me turn into a lady and last time he saw me knew I had it made. I am proud that I had him in my life and so are my parents. I kmow he will rest in peace.
So Blessed,
Heather
Deeply saddened to hear of your passing old friend, my mentor in academe, my advisor in much.
This came as a shock to me, I much regret loosing touch….
Where to go from here….there is an emptiness , I am sure there is with many you have touched…..