Robert 'Bob' Martinez

Mass of Christian Burial for Robert "Bob" Martinez will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Gillette with Burial to follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 7 p.m. Thursday with a Vigil starting at 7 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home. Bob, 64 of Gillette passed away Thursday, July 24, 2014 at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper after a short illness. It is with our deepest sympathy and gratitude that we honor the life of our brother, uncle and cousin. His ever-presence in our lives was a gift to us, a gift that we will forever cherish in our hearts. Bob was born on Feb. 3, 1950 to Salvador and Josephine (Diaz) Martinez, Sr. in Julesburg, Colorado. He was the third oldest of six children. As a young boy, his family moved to Kimball, Nebraska where he was educated in the Kimball Co. Public School System. Summers were spent taking long bike rides with his siblings where they would bike to the next community to purchase a soda and candy bar and return home just in time for a dip in the local swimming pool. He played football in high school and graduated in 1968. Shortly after graduation, Bob moved with his family to Gillette. He began his employment with Flint Engineering as a backhoe operator. He married Lynn Colson in 1975 but later the two divorced. Due to a back injury, he chose to return to school and attended Casper College. After a year, he returned to Gillette where he made his home. Bob began employment as a security guard for 30 plus years. He worked for Pinkerton/Wackenhut at various coal mines. The majority of those years worked were spent at Buckskin Mine. He truly loved his job. He enjoyed working with and getting to know the employees and contractors at Buckskin. Throughout his career as a security guard, Bob received several commendations for his performance and service. Due to a disability, Bob retired in 2010. At the time of his death he was surrounded by his family and Charlie, his Yorkie. Family was a huge part of his life. He enjoyed family gatherings that included gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries, marriages, holidays and spur of the moment get-togethers which were many. He enjoyed watching the history channel and was a news addict where he watched local, national and international news 24/7. He was an owner of several hotrods in his early adult years. Most importantly, he was an avid pet lover. His toy poodle, Homer would entertain the residents of Pioneer Manor when his parents resided there and would make trips to work with him. His Yorkie, Charlie is loved by everyone who comes in contact with her. He also had two cats, brother and sister, named Kit and Kat. Bob is survived by his sisters, Betty Martinez of Gillette, Mary (Wayne) Boom of Story, and Jane ( Bill) Fitch of Gillette; nieces Bev (Dennis) Jochims of Gillette, Nancy (Mitch) Myers of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sonja ( Shawn) Walter of Buffalo, Wyoming, Billie (Kent) Wilkerson of Gillette, Haleigh Martinez of Gillette, Robyn Morgan of Lancaster, California; nephew Chuck (Brandy) Fitch of Glendale, AZ; four great-nieces, six great-nephews, two great-great nieces, and two great-great nephews, and numerous cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Salvador and Josephine Martinez; brothers, Richard and Sal Martinez; and his beloved toy poodle, Homer. Memorials may be made to the Gillette Animal Shelter or the Activities Fund at Pioneer Manor. Memorials and condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent online to www.walkerfuneralgillette.com Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716