Charles E. Martin left this world on January 28th, 2026. Charles otherwise known as Chuck was born June 9th, 1953 to Charles F and (Ethel)Jean Martin.
A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.
This young hot-headed teenager decided to go into the Marine Corps after he left high school, September 1972. The amazing difference the Marine Corps made in Chuck, was astounding. Not only did he lose that temper but excelled in sharpshooting, artillery shooting and became quite an efficient Marine. He traveled the world with the Marines, assisting with the removal of troops from Vietnam and Laos. He additionally traveled to Beirut, Germany, and Hong Kong. Imagine our surprise the Christmas, when we all received albums from him, written completely in Chinese.
He left the service in 1978, as a Corporal, after being stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The Marine Corps had an issue with contaminated water and he is still waiting for his settlement from that issue. As many of you know he had a collection of eagles, John Wayne collectibles and decorative knives. He never passed up an opportunity to buy more, all his nieces and nephews indulged this passion with many pieces of Chief’s gear, too. In these last 10 years Chuck has suffered from a form of Alzheimer’s, but he never got to the point where he was unable to recognize people, places, or things. He knew the faces of nieces and nephews as well as their kids but he would need to be reminded of what the great nieces and nephews names were. He was funny that way. But he could always tell you what the Chiefs score was the week before and how well Mahomes did. His biggest battle was with diabetes type 1 which caused several hospitalizations, so it was a surprise when he passed away quickly from a heart attack.
He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, brother Darryl and nephew Ricky.
He leaves behind his sisters: Minnie, Pam (and Mark) and Lisa. Nephews: Josh, Taylor, Jeremy, Auggie. Also left behind to cherish his memories are nieces: Stacy, Tara, and Samantha, also 13 great nieces and nephews as well as two great-grand nieces. Chuck will be loved and missed by many cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors.
Arr: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441