Lieutenant Commander Robert C. “Bob” Mars (USN, Retired), 95, of Quitman, MS, died at home on Friday, May 21, 2021, after living a full life.
Bob was known for his service - to his family, friends, community, church, and country. He was one of the last surviving veterans to have served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Once he was back home in Mississippi, only God knows how many tons of vegetables he gave away, bags of parched peanuts he distributed, coons and beaver he trapped, or hours he spent in church service through the years.
He was born October 16, 1925, in a boxcar in rural Clarke County, the second son of Robert C. Mars and Fannie J. Wright Mars. His father died when he was only three months old, and his mother later married Harvey Chestnut. Eventually three sisters and another brother joined the family.
He grew up in difficult circumstances. He took his first paying job at age 8 and attended school when he could between jobs. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After a short time away from the military, he re-enlisted and made the Navy his career. He was proud to have earned his GED and climbed the ranks to become a commissioned officer.
In 1959, Bob married Johnnie Marie Hammett of Long Beach, California. They had one son, John. Johnnie died of cancer on October 27, 1971, less than a year after Bob had retired and they had made their home in Quitman.
In 1972 Bob married Dorothy Becton, immediately gaining a family of five adult stepchildren and their children. Dorothy introduced him to East Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he accepted Jesus as his Savior and attended faithfully the rest of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Johnnie and Dorothy; a brother, J.W. Mars; and two sisters, Gleanice Heathcock and Billie Mae Miller.
He is survived by his son, John (Jeannine); his brother, Eddie Ray (Marguerite) Chestnut; his sister, Evelyn Headrick; his brothers-in-law, Loyd Miller and W.L. Heathcock; two stepsons, Charles (Margaret) and Mickey Becton; three stepdaughters, Linda Becton, Dianne Deas, and Vickey (Monty) Sellers; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Vickey Sellers for helping Bob stay at home as he wished until the end of his life. The family is also grateful to all his caregivers from Sta-Home Health & Hospice, Home Instead, and Compassus for their care over the past two years.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 24, at Wright’s Funeral Home, 119 East Church Street, Quitman. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, 215 South Jackson Avenue, Quitman. Brother Josh Meadows will officiate.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the church of your choice or to Gideons International, P. O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.
Online condolences may be shared at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
