Charles Dale Martin

Charles Dale Martin, 90, of San Diego, CA joined our heavenly father at 10:02 PM Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City. He was born on November 14th, 1927, in Watson, Illinois, to Albert George and Sara Lou Earnest Martin. He married Alice Balsters on December 30th, 1949, in Illinois and had 3 sons: Clay (deceased), Stan and John. Also surviving is his sister Geraldine Jensen-Galli and her children, Karen, Kathy and Gregg, his grandchildren Jesse and Shawnnah, great-grandchildren Kayla, Alora, Jaida, Marissa and Jazmine and great-great-grandson Konner.

In 1946, Charles Martin was drafted into the US Navy where he met and married Alice. He honorably served for over 20 years as a systems analyst (software programmer) with honorable discharge, achieving the rank of Senior Chief and receiving honors including earning the bronze star. Charlie continued to work as an analyst for the civil service until retirement.

Charles Martin had a very strong faith, being raised by generations of Church of God (Anderson, Ind.) where his Grandfather George Earnest was a pastor for many years. He also had strong ties with the Baptist and Methodist denominations. He was particularly proud of his Earnest heritage, and was a descendant of early pioneer Henry Earnest (1732–1809) who was head of one of the most prominent families in the State of Tennessee at the time.

Charlie, a long-time resident of San Diego, spent his early years in rural Central Illinois, where he had strong relationships with both the Percival (paternal grandmother) and Martin (father) families.

Visitation is from 5PM until 9 PM on Friday, January 19, 2018, at Funerarias Del Angel, 753 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at La Vista Memorial in National City, CA. Charlie will be buried next to his beloved son Clay Martin (2004).