Charles Ernest Martin

Charles was often described as the perfect gentleman, always courteous and thoughtful, and putting the other person first. He was a proud Baltimorean who never forgot his roots and could go anywhere and find someone he knew, even after he moved to Houston. As a member of The Greatest Generation, he got to see the best of what America could be. Growing up during the Great Depression, he saw people share what little they had and help each other out when nobody had anything. Shortly after graduating from his high school (ironically named Baltimore City College), he was drafted into the Army and served in Europe as Corporal from 1943 until 1946.

Charles met his wife Doris on a blind date and was married in 1947. He began his career at what was to become Exxon in the same year and worked his way up to Senior Accounting Clerk. Charles and Doris adopted their first son Thomas in 1961 and their second son Robert in 1963, starting their family during the optimism of The Space Age.

In 1976 the family was transferred to Houston, and Charles quickly adapted to a new environment. He retired after 35 years of dedicated service in 1982 and explored the world with his wife Doris, taking a number of cruises. Even in his retirement, he was a proud former Exxon employee, staying in touch with coworkers. After his wife passed away in 2008, Charles eventually moved to the community of Westbury Gardens Condominiums to be near his son Thomas, where he was recognized and loved as the oldest member of the community.

A lifelong Catholic, Charles embodied the tenets of charity, compassion, and unconditional love. Prayer was an important part of his life, with his list of people he asked God to watch over every night.

Charles was preceded in death by parents George and Stella, brothers George and William, wife Doris, son Robert, nephew Andrew, and granddog Mabel.

Surviving relatives include son Thomas, grandson Corey, nephews Eric Martin, Paul Martin, great niece Arlene Cooper, great nephew Robert, granddog Gracie, and generations of other relatives. He is also survived by countless friends and neighbors including jigsaw puzzle buddy Jean Finch.

Charles’s rescue granddogs brought him much joy. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Houston Pets Alive [houstonpetsalive.org], so that more rescue animals can bring joy to others.

The graveside service will be at noon on May 5th at Earthman Resthaven Cemetary, 13102 North Freeway. The family requests that masks be worn by all attendees throughout the service.