Jan. 17, 1932 - Jan. 9, 2026
Date of Service: Jan. 17, 2026
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Service Program
BURLEY — Robert Lee Martin, a 93-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. He peacefully rode into the sunset with his children by his side.
Bob was born in Rupert, Idaho, to Fred Martin and Mary Elizabeth (Mai) Martin. He was the fifth of six children. He grew up in the Pella area and lived there his entire life, except for the four years he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He graduated from Burley High School in 1950. During high school, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Bob married Sharen Swendsen in 1959. Together they had four daughters and one son. They later divorced in 1978. He then married Eloise Craven Osterhout on February 15, 1992.
Bob was a farmer and ditch rider, refereed high school football and basketball for 30 years, and worked for Amalgamated Sugar Company. He cowboyed for Basin Cowboys and several others. He loved to dance, enjoyed church music, and of course, country western music. He loved sports of all kinds, the color red, all flowers, rodeos, and horses. He also loved venturing to the sale ring, whether to buy cattle or just visit with his pals, talking about cowboy life, the weather, and anything in between. Bob was an active member in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in various callings. He loved his country and the American flag. He was happiest riding his horse in the beautiful mountains, followed closely by his dog.
He is survived by his children, Cindy Martin of Idaho Falls, Linda Martin (Brenda) of Sandy, Utah, Alex Martin (Liz) of Island Park, and Jennifer Martin of Idaho Falls; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his dog, Squirrel, who has been his loyal companion for the past five years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; his wife, Eloise; his daughter, Julie Martin; his first wife, Sharen; and his grandson, Cole Miller.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 17, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Pella 2nd Ward, located at 152 W. 400 S., of Burley, with Bishop Blair Davis officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. Burial will follow at Pella Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, January 16, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, preceding the funeral, at the church.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/tEKJozrJthE.
