Robert C. Materman Sr., 85, of Ontario Road, Niles died at 8:37 a.m. Thursday, April 1, 2010 at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles following a brief illness.

He was born April 17, 1924 in Walkerton, Ind. to George W. Masterman and Effie (Lowe) Masterman. He was raised in South Bend and returned from the war to Niles.

He retired after 32 years of service from Tyler Refrigeration in Niles. He was formerly employed at Claffys Construction and Studebaker. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy, and was a member of the American Legion Post 26 in Niles.

He enjoyed camping and fishing in this area. He bowled locally for Tyler and at Chippewa Lanes. He loved his dogs.

He married Madeline E. (Vitellaro) Masterman on Aug. 6, 1947 in South Bend. She died July 12, 1994.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jackie Milner; son, John Masterman; brothers, Lew Gricks, Bud Masterman and Hugh Masterman; and a sister, Margaret Masterman.

He is survived by his daughters, Shirley (Joe) Rose, of Niles and Kathy (Randy) Schneider, of Niles; a son, Robert (Myrle) Masterman Jr., of Niles; son-in-law, Charles Milner, of Niles; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; Madeline’s sister, Geri (Don) Duis; and Hugh’s wife, Jean Masterman.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with Pastor Tony Slagle of Bertrand Bible Church officiating.

Burial will be a Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. Full military honors by American Legion Post 26, Niles will follow the services graveside.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion.