Charles A. Chuck Martin

Charles A. Chuck Martin, 79, passed into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 6, 2011, in New Haven, MO with family and friends by his side.
Chuck was born in Mt. Lake Park, MD on July 2, 1931 to the late Darwin Bedford Martin and the late Myra Catherine (Reese) Martin. He married the love of his life, the late Willa Mae (Goin) Aldred in Kirkwood, Mo on February 14, 1973. They chose Washington, MO as their home in 1985 where they resided until Willas death in April 2010. They were married for 37 years. The deep devotion he displayed to Willa throughout their marriage, and particularly during her years of failing health remains an inspiration to all who knew him.
Chuck was inducted into the United States Air Force at Cumberland, MD in February 1947, proudly serving his country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in January 1955. Chuck continued service to his country in the United States Army Reserve from 1968 to 1991. He was employed with the U. S. Civil Service department of the Army, St. Louis, MO, retiring in July 1991 having achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four.
Chuck received many honors and rewards during his military career including the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal with Four Bronze Loops, and the Reserve Components Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He was the 1975 Reserve Officers Association Officer of the Year for RCPAC Aug Detachment.
Chuck and Willa enjoyed fellowship with their church family at the First United Methodist Church of Washington, MO. They traveled etensively throughout the United States and cherished time spent with family and friends during their travels. Chuck had many friends and was an engaging conversationalist. He loved political discussion and kept up to date on current affairs. Churck believed firmly in a ministry of visitation to shut-ins in their homes, hospitals, and nursing homes and he delivered church bulletins to those unable to attend weekly services. Churck enjoyed collecting clown statues created by artist Ron Lee and he amassed a sizeable coin collection through the years. He will be especially remembered for his kindness, generosity, and loyalty.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Washington, MO; Hope Masonic Lodge 251, Washington, MO; Oakland Masonic Lodge 192, Oakland, MD; Life Member Reserve Officers Association of the United States; Life Member Disabled American Veterans of Franklin County Chapter 34; Hampton Roads American Legion Post 31, Hampton, VA (Adjutant 1960 and 1961); Military Officers Assocation of American; and the National Assocaition of Retired Federal Employees.
Chuck is survived by a brother, William Thomas (wife, Barbara) Martin of St. Augustine, FL; a sister-in-law, Kathryn Martin of DePew, NY; an aunt, Sally Rees of Richland, WA; a stepdaughter, Joyce Ellen Aldred of Santa Rosa, CA; seven cousins and fifty-one nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a brother, Darwin B. Martin, Jr.
The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the staff of the New Haven Care Center in New Haven, MO for the loving care given Chuck throughout his stay. A very special thank you to the staff of Evercare Hospice for the personal care bestowed to Chuck during his final weeks. The love displayed by the church family of the United Methodist Church in Washington will forever be treasured by the family.
A graveside will be held at 10:00 am Friday, June 10, 2011, at Brookside Cemetery in Lapel with Pastor Doug Barton officiating and military burial rites will be performed by the Lapel American Legion post 212.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of the donors choice.

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