Robert Erskine Martin

Robert Erskine Martin passed away under hospice care at his home in Bloomfield, NM on Sunday, November 13, 2016. He was born on August 14, 1928 in Farmington, NM, to Donald T. and Lois (McReynolds) Martin.
Robert grew up on the family farm in Bloomfield, attended a two-room school, and worked to help the family as the oldest son. Although he worked hard, he was known by his siblings as a jokester, always making them smile with his great wit. After graduating from Aztec High School, he sought adventure by joining the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Scott Field, Illinois. After an honorable discharge, he enrolled in New Mexico State University where he majored in Chemistry. He received a Bachelor of Science, and went on to gain a Master's Degree, while working as a graduate assistant. Upon graduation he went to work for El Paso Natural Gas where he spent most of his 6 years on assignments in Texas. On September 27, 1958 Robert married Helen Louise Adair at the home of her parents in Bloomfield. Two sons were born to the couple, Scott Robert and Todd Elliott. They grew up in Las Cruces while watching their parents enjoying the warm weather, golf, bike riding, and square dancing. It was there that Robert worked at his career as the State Chemist for the New Mexico State Department of Agriculture. After retirement, Robert returned with his wife Helen to the family farm in Bloomfield to be near his father Donald T. and his siblings. His retirement included more golf and hard work on the farm that he had learned while growing up. His last years involved a difficult struggle with COPD but he never complained or asked for sympathy. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lois Martin, and his sisters, Donna Hare and Lou Ellen Wernert. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Louise Martin of Bloomfield, and their two sons, Scott (son Tristan) of Mesa, AZ and Todd (daughter Hayley) of Essex, Vermont. His surviving siblings include Colleen Miszkiel, of Farmington, Byron (Lorna) Martin of Bloomfield, and Marilyn (John) White of Farmington. His family also includes numerous nieces and nephews and many long time friends.
There will be a graveside service 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Memory Gardens in Farmington where Robert will be laid to rest near his family. Rev. Kathy Potter will be officiating. Lunch and Fellowship will follow at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 1105 N. 1st Street in Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the parsonage fund of Bloomfield UMC where Robert was a proud founding member for many decades.
Robert's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, in Farmington (505)325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com