Charles Martin

Charles L. Martin, 70, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, at his home.

He was born Jan. 8, 1936, in Sesser, Ill., son of William and Opal Stacy Martin. He married Donna Martin, who preceded him in death.

Mr. Martin had owned and operated a cab company. He was a member of American Legion and of the Mormon belief.

He served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.

Mr. Martin was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and lived by the motto "Semper Fi."

Survivors include two daughters, Cheryl (Dan) Willkomm of Lake City, Fla., Kandius (Rick) Schleinger of Benton, Mo.; a son, Richard (Tammy) Martin of Lakeland, Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Jones; and a brother, Carl Martin of Kennett, Mo.

Also nine grandchildren, Julie Gibbons and Justin Willkomm of Lake City, Trish Bonney and Travis Schleinger of Benton, Richard Martin Jr. and Elizabeth Martin of Lakeland, Chasity Martin of Cape Girardeau, Tiffany Martin of St. Louis, Heather Jones of Westfield, Wis.; and three great-grandchildren, Keathon and Donna Gibbons of Lake City, and De Marlin Jones of Westfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three children, Charles Martin Jr., Dee Ann Martin and Kara Martin; and a brother, William Martin.

There is no visitation.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. today at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Peder Leth will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by Sesser American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements.