Charles Henry Martin

Charles "Charlie" Henry Martin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Lonoke, Arkansas, at the age of 75. Born on August 23, 1948, Charlie's life was a testament to dedication, service, and unwavering love.

Charlie grew up in Scott, Arkansas, where he made lifelong friends and graduated from England High School. At the age of 20, he answered the call of duty and served his country with honor in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. Stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as a Radio Repairman, Charlie's commitment to service was a defining feature of his life.

In 1971, Charlie began his distinguished career in law enforcement as a police officer in Jacksonville, Arkansas. His passion for justice and community led him to the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office in 1988, where he served with distinction. Charlie's proudest professional achievement came in 1996 when he was elected Sheriff of Lonoke County, a role he held with honor until 2002. He continued his law enforcement career as the Chief of Police in Ward from 2002 until his well-deserved retirement in 2011.

Charlie was not only a guardian of the community but also a pillar of his church. For the past nine years, he was a devoted member of Brownsville Baptist Church, where he served as the unofficial security, always ensuring the safety of his fellow congregants with a watchful eye and a kind heart.

On February 15, 1980, Charlie married the love of his life, Mavis Martin. Their 44-year marriage was a beacon of love and partnership. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Mavis; his children, Dale (Christy) Henry, Don (Carrie) Henry, and daughter-in-law Chelsea Martin; his brother Dwight (Deborah) Martin; his sister Deborah (Loyd) Haas; his adored grandchildren, Kyle, Haley, Carson, Kirsten, Brooklyn, Easton, and Canon; and his precious great-grandchild, Colt. Known as "Paw Paw," Charlie never hesitated to grant his grandchildren's wishes, creating a lifetime of joyous moments.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Lee Radcliff and Charles Edward “Dick” Martin; his sister, Sharen Martin Treadway; his brother, David Martin; and his son, Charles Henry Martin Jr. (CJ). Their memory lived on in his heart, and he now joins them in eternal peace.

A man of simple pleasures, Charlie loved fishing and deer hunting, hobbies that connected him to nature and brought him peace. His in-laws embraced him as one of their own, sharing family dinners every Friday night, where laughter and love were always abundant.

Charlie's funeral service will be held at Brownsville Baptist Church, located at 44 Watson Lane, Lonoke, Arkansas, 72086. The service will begin at 3:00 PM, with a viewing preceding it at 2:00 PM.

Charlie Martin's legacy is one of unwavering dedication, boundless love, and a heart that touched everyone he met. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, dear Charlie.