Charles L. Martin

Charles L. Martin, 81, a resident of the Banks community passed away at his home Saturday June 16, 2012.

Funeral Services will be held at the Banks Community United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 21st at 1 pm.

A burial will follow the funeral services held at the Banks, Union Point Cemetery in Banks, OR.

Charles was born September 9, 1930 in Muskogee, OK, the son of Charles Ervin and Jessie (Brown) Martin. One of seven children, Charles had started working at a very young age as he labored alongside his family in the fields picking crops. Charles and his family followed the seasonal harvests through the Midwest and into California.

He met his future wife, Lois Simmons, while picking peas in the fields around Huron, CA. They soon began dating and were married in Madera, CA on November 12, 1948. Following their marriage Charles and Lois moved with the harvests and made their home between California, Arizona and Oregon. They settled in Banks, OR in 1967.

Charles had a knack to fix anything that was broken and he was always willing to learn whatever someone was willing to teach. This allowed Charles the opportunity to work as a welder, septic tank servicer, and many other positions to support his family. Once settled in Banks, Charles owned and operated his own scrap metal recycling business for over 45 years.

While Charles possessed a strong work ethic, he also cherished his time with family. He loved watching all of his children and grandchildren's school and sporting events. He took his family on many outdoor daytrips and often took time to fish in the Pacific Northwest. Vacations were spent with his wife and children as they traveled across the US to visit family and friends. Other personal interests included old country music, western movies, playing pool, and dancing.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three siblings; Hubert W. Martin, Bobby Joe Martin, Lorraine Gasiorowski.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lois, four children and their spouses; Diann and Rich Vandecoevering of Banks, OR, Darlene Capone of Hawthorne, CA, DeLinda and Brad Huggins of Banks, OR, Charles and Ronda Martin of Cornelius, OR, two siblings; Patsy Wallis and Peggy Hernard of Texas; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren with a fourth on the way.