Charles Walter Mars

He was born at home in Iuka, Mississippi, on September 22, 1929, to the late James Houston Mars Sr. and Maudine (Smith) Mars. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Catherine (Young) Mars; his brothers, John E. Mars and James Mars Jr and his sisters, Ruth E. Lomenick and Lura Norine Gray. He is survived by his children, David (Christy) Mars of Germantown, TN, Brent (Jan) Mars of Collierville, TN, and Donna Mars of Germantown, TN; six grandchildren, Katie Mars (Thompson), Natalie Milam (JR), Jackson Mars, Samuel Mars, Olivia Mars, and Zachary Mars; and two great-grandchildren, Mia Milam and Charles Milam.

Charles graduated from Iuka High School and continued his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he earned his associate degree, followed by Florence State University, now the University of North Alabama.

A proud Army veteran, Charles moved to Memphis in the 1950s, where he began his career at the Sears Crosstown distribution center. It was in Memphis that he was introduced to Catherine through his roommate. Their first date was at Putt-Putt Golf, and soon after, Charles began attending Union Avenue Church of Christ with Catherine, where he was baptized. After dating for approximately six months, they married on January 9, 1960, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2010.

Charles spent many years as a traffic manager for L.T. Barringer and Co., a major cotton brokerage company in Memphis. When the company relocated to North Carolina, he joined the Memphis office of Merrill Lynch, where he later retired. Following retirement, he continued working part-time with the Memphis office of the IRS into his early 70s.

Known as a kind and faithful Christian man who deeply loved his church and family, Charles began serving as a deacon at Union Avenue Church of Christ in 1966. In 1980, he became an elder at Union Avenue, now Woodland Hills Church of Christ, where he faithfully served for 46 years until his passing.

Charles and Catherine opened their home to many church gatherings and family celebrations throughout the years. Their annual Christmas party became a cherished tradition, with friends and family gathering to enjoy laughter, fellowship, and the much-anticipated game of “Dirty Santa”. Their home was always a place where everyone felt welcomed and loved.

Charles treasured traveling with his family. Some of their favorite destinations when their children were young, included Panama City Beach and Gatlinburg. After retirement, he enjoyed the opportunity to visit all 50 states. Above all, Charles found his greatest joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved having them visit and always kept his home stocked with snacks and sodas for his grandchildren to enjoy with their PawPaw.

Charles leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, love, and devotion to his family and church community.

Visitation will be held at Woodland Hills Church of Christ, 10011 Woodland Hills Dr, Cordova, TN 38018, on July 9, 2026, from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm, followed by the funeral at Woodland Hills Church of Christ, on July 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm.

An interment service will take place at Memory Hills Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133 on July 9, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Woodland Hills Church of Christ or a charity of the donor’s choice.