Robert Axman

Dr. Robert (Bob) Axman passed away peacefully on February 7, 2015 after a short illness. He was born in Baltimore City in 1925, an identical twin to Dr. Richard (Dick) Axman, also of Baltimore. Bob graduated from Forest Park High School in June 1943, having played varsity basketball and baseball, among many other activities. He and Dick spent many happy summers at Camp Cody, in New Hampshire, which their parents owned until 1955. They served as counselors for part of that time, and kept in touch with many of their campers over the years. He and his brother joined the U.S. Navy Dental Corps after high school, serving until 1945. One of his favorite stories from that time was about how Navy captain came to the dental clinic with a toothache, mistook Bob for a dentist instead of a technician, and insisted that he remove the tooth, which he did. After his time in the Navy, Bob attended the University of Maryland in College Park, where he was enrolled in the pre-dental program for the next three years. From 1948 to 1952, he attended the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore and was graduated in June 1952. In December of that year, he established a dental practice on Park Heights Avenue with his brother, Richard. They were partners for the next fifty-eight years, until they both retired in 2010. Bob had wonderful skills as a dentist, but his many patients remember him most for his kind and gentle nature, and his sense of humor. “My brother Bob was respected and admired by his patients,” Richard says. “For some, he remained the family dentist for several generations.” Bob enjoyed many things about life, most especially spending time with family, golfing, drinking an occasional beer, and any meal that included shrimp. He and his brother were members of Turf Valley Country Club since 1962, and were made life members in 2013. Bob had six holes-in-one over the course of his golf career, but in his typically humble way, attributed them all to luck. Even after a very good round, his favorite and oft-repeated line was “I had a lot of good shot.” Dr. Axman leaves behind family and many friends who will miss him greatly. These include his wife of 61 years, Marilyn Axman, his brother, Dr. Richard Axman, children Mitchell Axman and Heidi Pardue, his niece Andi Axman, nephew Harry Axman, sister-in-law Elaine Axman and son-in-law Steve Pardue. There was a special place in his heart for his beloved granddaughter Phoebe Pardue, who will always cherish the times they had together and remember him well. The family will have a private gathering to remember him sometime in the near future. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to provide a donation to Gilchrist Hospice, whose caring staff provided care and comfort during Dr. Axman’s last days.

Robert Axman

October 4, 1925 - February 7, 2015