Obituary of Robert L. Martin

Robert L. Martin, age 75, Harrodsburg, husband of Jo Ann Warner Martin, died Saturday, September 19, 2009 at his home. Born June 12, 1934 in Anderson Co., he was the son of the late Prentice and Pearl (Perry) Martin. He was an Army veteran of the Korean war and was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church. He was the leader of the band, "Bob Martin and the Rockin' Tune Twisters and in 1956 made his first Radio appearance with the group. In 1960 Bob purchased WHBN, where he spent the next 53 years entertaining and serving the people of Mercer County and Central Kentucky. Bob received many community service awards, including: the 1986-87 "Distinguished Service Award," 1987 Rotary Club "Citizen of the Year," and in 1988 received the "Harrods Company Award" presented by the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the KY Broadcasters Assoc., the National Assoc. of Broadcasters, past director of the Chamber of Commerce, former 28 year director of the Inter-County Rural Electric Cooperative, past board member of the James B. Haggin Hospital, former member of the Harrodsburg Optimist Club, frequent Emcee of community programs and events, and was part of the 1974 Bi-Centenial Celebration Committee. Bob also established the Community Love Tree, which provided Christmas gifts to area children, and for many years was associated with that jolly ole soul from the North Pole. He loved to horseback ride, watch Western movies, and listen to country music. Survivors include: his wife: Jo Ann(Warner) Martin, Harrodsburg; one sister: Betty Dadisman of Colorado; two nephews; one niece; several cousins. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 22, at the St. Andrew Catholic Church by Danny Schwendeman. Honorary bearers are: Golfing Friends , Inter-County Energy Colleagues , WHBN Employees , Tommy Devine, Genie Sims, John Brock, and Nadine Cole White. Visitation will be Monday, September 21, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the St. Andrew Catholic Church, Harrodsburg, KY. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Andrew Catholic Church Building Fund, 1125 Danville Rd., Harrodsburg, KY 40330 or Heritage Hospice, P.O. Box 1213, Danville, KY 40422. Ransdell Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements, and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com