Robert Lonson Martin
LTC Robert Lonson Martin, US Army (Ret), 83, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on September 8, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, Virginia, after a short illness.
Robert was born in Syracuse, New York, on September 2, 1942, the son of the late Charles Lonson Martin and Mabel Henry Martin.
After graduating from Fayetteville-Manlius High School, Onondaga County, New York, in 1960, he attended the University of Virginia, graduating in 1965 with a degree in City Planning. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army upon graduation.
He served two tours as an Army Engineer Officer in Vietnam, 1966-1967 and 1969-1970.
He attended Virginia Tech and earned a master’s degree in urban planning in 1975. He was then an Assistant Professor of Military Science with the Virginia Tech Army ROTC department. He also served as the military advisor for the Regimental Band, the Highty-Tighties, becoming an honorary Highty-Tighty.
He ended his 24-year Army career at the FORSCOM headquarters at Ft. McPherson, Georgia, retiring in 1989.
Following his Army career, he joined R & K Engineering in Roanoke, Virginia, as a military planner, retiring in 2006.
He was a prolific bowler for most of his life and bowled most of the houses in the Roanoke area, including in the Architects and Engineers League at Viking Lanes and the Pioneer League at Hilltop and Vinton. He was a team captain, league president, and bowled in many local, county, and state tournaments over the years.
In retirement, Robert and Mary travelled all over the country and Canada by train. He was an avid fan of Virginia Tech football, having held season tickets for 33 years, and also enjoyed the University of Virginia's lacrosse and basketball teams.
Robert was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lillian Elisabeth Martin. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jenkins Martin; sons Kenneth (Sandra) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Brian (Patricia) of South Riding, Virginia, and grandson Bryce of South Riding, Virginia.
A visitation will be scheduled at a future date.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
