Robert Hampton Marty (Bob) told his last story, and said his last prayer, on September 2, 2024. Bob was born on June 22, 1933, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to the late Robert Frederick Marty, and Helen Emerette (Fleek) Marty. Bob was the grandson of Carl and Verena (Isley) Marty and Wade Hampton and Lotta (Bowen) Fleek. Born into an entrepreneurial family of Swiss and Scotch-Irish descent, Bob's formative years provided the foundation for a lifetime as a businessman, world traveler, politician, and country preacher—all while wearing a suit and tie.
Memories of growing up in Monroe, WI were never far from his thoughts. In particular, he remembered every play of his 1950 football season when the Monroe Cheesemakers won the conference title undefeated.
Bob attended the University of Missouri, Columbia where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Public Administration in 1955. At MU, Bob was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity where he was blessed with lifelong friends, including Dr. H. Peter Ekern and Donald “Zeke” Roeder. After graduating from MU, he served in the U.S. Army, and then the Army Reserves, until he was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of First Lieutenant, QMC USAR.
A.P. Green Refractories brought Bob to Mexico, Missouri. For thirty-four years Bob worked in export sales, traveling to sixty-two different countries (gathering experiences along the way to add to his repertoire of stories) until his retirement in 1991.
While working at A.P. Green, he met the love of his life, Shirley Ann, his bride of 63 years. Bob was transferred to a New York City office and the couple lived in New Jersey. Active in his church, Bob served as President of the Board of the Park Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), East Orange, New Jersey. In 1973, after twelve years, Bob was transferred back to Mexico, Missouri and was promoted to Export Sales Manager.
A tireless supporter of the community, Bob served and participated in many local and statewide organizations. He faithfully served as Chairman of the Board of Elders at First Christian Church, Mexico. Bob served as City Councilman and Mayor of the City of Mexico. He was a member and president for four years of the Board of Education, Mexico School District #59. He enjoyed serving as a board member of the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund.
Of the many awards and recognition for his community service, Bob was particularly proud of the Drum Major for Justice Award conferred on him by the Audrain County Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Following his retirement from A.P. Green, Bob earned a Masters of Divinity at Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, in May of 1997. He was ordained at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Mexico, Missouri, on June 22, 1997. Bob served as Pastor at Midway Christian Church, Audrain County; and former pastor of Auxvasse City and Benton City Presbyterian churches.
Bob played tennis, ran 10K’s, and walked trails. He was a voracious reader of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and wherever he went, he had a newspaper in his back pocket. He was a fan of Willie Nelson and the Highwaymen. An ardent fan of all sports, he was loyal to the Mexico Bulldogs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and wherever Tyronn Lue played or coached.
Bob enjoyed many beloved dogs in his lifetime and is survived by his current yorkie, Angel. His passionate affection for animals prompted him to be instrumental in the foundation of the Animal Shelter in Mexico, Missouri.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Andrew H. Marty and wife Rachel Sarah, of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri and their son Isaac A. Marty. Grandchildren Michael R. Walker, Ryan M. Walker and Elizabeth (Brad) Atkinson. Great grandchildren Bailey Atkinson, Braxton Atkinson, Bella Atkinson and Bennett Atkinson. He is further survived by nieces Christine Augsburger, Susan (Greg) Vande Sande, and Jennifer Marty. He was predeceased by his beloved brother Walter F. Marty of Oshkosh, Wisconsin and his daughter Joy Lee Walker. Bob is also survived by many treasured cousins, nieces and nephews.
If you would like to honor Bob’s memory, please consider a donation to your local Animal Shelter, Midway Christian Church, or the Eden Theological Seminary.
Memorial Services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, at Arnold Funeral Home. Visitation is Saturday, September 28, from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Private entombment will be in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
