Obituary of Charles Martin

Charles “Charlie" Martin

Charles "Charlie" Martin, age 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday March 27, 2023.  Charlie was born August 27, 1948, in Brownton, West Virginia to his parents, the late Alex J. Martin and Anna Marie Petroff Martin.  Charlie grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia cherishing special memories with his siblings, Alex "Chick" Martin, Jr. (Linda), James "Jim" Martin, Mary Jane Kirby (Ray), and the late Shirley Lipscomb.  Charlie graduated Morgantown High School with the Class of 1966 and later obtained his infamous degree from the University of Hard Knocks. Charlie met the love of his life and best friend, Mary Louise Anderson Martin in 1966, and the two were married on December 11, 1967.  In the summer of 1968, Charlie left to serve his country, spending two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  After returning home, Charlie and Mary were stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the remainder of his enlistment, before setting down their roots in Buckhannon, West Virginia.  The most important thing to Charlie was his family, and he and Mary started their own by welcoming their children, Jeffrey Brian Martin and Kelly Lynn Martin.  As his children grew, Charlie was an active parent, coach and mentor to not only his kids, but to several youths in the community upon whom he left a lasting impression. His love for football and baseball led him to coach and umpire for the American Legion Baseball Team, and his greatest joy was getting to watch his own son on the baseball diamond and the football field as a player, and now, as a coach himself. Charlie also took to the role of "girl dad" in loving and supporting his late daughter, Kelly.  From cheerleading days to sorority life, Charlie cherished his daughter deeply and looked forward to their reunion. In his early days in Buckhannon, Charlie began his career as a Professional Landman, spending over 30 years in the profession.  Within this role, Charlie was respected and loved throughout the industry, again leaving a deep impression on his colleagues and helping to usher many into the industry.  He was an active member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church for over 35 years, dedicating much of his time to his church and the community, especially the Parish House.  Charlie was also a member of the Band of Brothers, VFW, American Legion, the Buckhannon Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, the Buckhannon Country Club, and the AAPL. Charlie will be remembered not only for his kindness and exuberant nature, but also for his willingness to help anyone who was in need.  Loving Charlie also meant loving WVU, the Steelers, and a day on the golf course.  He was a regular presence in the bleachers at both West Virginia Wesleyan College and Buckhannon-Upshur sporting events.  Charlie was also the biggest fan of West Alleghany High School sports, cheering on his son and grandchildren as they carried on his love of the game. Some of the fondest memories made by Charlie were in a beach chair with a cold drink in his hand.  He spent many days on the beach looking for shells, walking the shore, and playing horseshoes with the boys. You could always find him digging in the sand and sharing his love for the beach with his grandchildren any chance he got. At night, and after an inevitable sunburn, you could find Charlie at the table playing cards or working a puzzle while recapping the hilarious events of his day.  Charlie's family and friends will cherish the days spent with him on the sand and will forever miss their beach buddy. Charlie will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 55 years, his son Jeff Martin (Nicolle), and his three grandchildren, MaKynlee Lynn Martin, Hayden Isabelle Martin and Bryce Edward Martin, and a special niece, Teri Jack, along with several other nieces and nephews.  In addition to his daughter, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Goble and Johnny Petroff, one brother-in-law, George C. Anderson, and one nephew, Steven Rick Anderson. The family of Charlie Martin would like to send a special thank you to the nursing staff at Holbrook Healthcare Center and to Tonya, Taylor and Travis Foster. Family and friends will gather on Tuesday April 4, 2023, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Buckhannon, with a celebration of life to follow at 1pm. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. The Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rosenbaum Family House in honor of Charlie.  Donations can be mailed to 30 Family House Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506; Check Payable to WVUF/Rosenbaum Family House or donate online. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.