Robert Allen Martz

Robert Allen Martz, age 66, of Palestine, Texas, passed away on April 9, 2026. He was born on June 23, 1959, in Baltimore, Maryland. He married the love of his life, Sherry Bukosbe, on July 26, 1980, and arrived at the church in style, wearing a baby blue tuxedo.

Robert served as a Mennonite Pastor for 25 years, a calling that reflected the way he moved through the world, which was always toward people and always present. He worked to be an example of servant leadership in everything he did. Most recently, he worked at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, where he formed deep bonds with the crew and considered them an extension of his family.

As a boy, Robert was struck by lightning and left behind a literal footprint in the asphalt. He spent the rest of his life leaving footprints of a different kind, stopping for people, showing up, and making sure no one around him felt unseen.

In his 20s, Robert perfected a signature move known as the "Goon Walk," which he performed on roller skates at his daughters' (Kristy and Angela) birthday parties. It was the kind of thing only he could pull off. He loved a good pun and terrible dad jokes. His most famous terrible joke: If Dairy Queen married Burger King, their kid would be a "meat shake." He stood by it. For most of his life he was convinced he could fix anything with PVC pipe, and in his later years he upgraded that philosophy to include duct tape as well.

Later in life, Robert and Sherry added three boys to their family: Tyler, Stephen, and Christopher. While living in Michigan, Robert could be found outside with the boys splitting wood to prepare the house for the cold winter ahead. It was the kind of work that was never really about the wood. He also taught his sons how to work on mowers and cars, doing his best to give them the inspiration and confidence to tackle anything they set their minds to.

He and his daughter Angela shared a love of Finding Bigfoot and The Curse of Oak Island, along with all the conversations and conspiracy theories that came with them. His love of Lord of the Rings was passed down to his daughter, Kristy, and his grandchildren, Kallie and Emma.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Angela Martz; daughters Kristy Burmeister and Angela Martz; sons Tyler Martz and Christopher Martz; grandchildren Kallie and Emma Burmeister; his mother, Susan Amelia Martz; siblings Susan Bealmer (Tim), William Martz Jr., Sharon Caldwell, and Joyce Rudd; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William Robert Martz, and his son, Stephen Anthony Martz.

A memorial service will be held at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center by the Lake on April 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 AM at Texas Methodist Conference Center Cemetery. A meal will be provided by the Lakeview staff following the graveside service.

Graveside services for Robert Allen Martz are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.