A Farewell to Charles.

Charles Homer Martin Sr. passed from this life Thursday, February 3, 2011. For the last nine months, life had been a struggle. Circulatory issues, culminating in the amputation of a leg, renal failure, and finally pneumonia, contributed to his untimely passing.

Charles and I go back 17 years. 15 of those years Charles drove a truck at the seasonal work. We worked together. I always said if I had a dozen like Charles, my life there would have been a breeze. But, they only made one of Charles and threw away the mold.

I for one am glad I had the opportunity to know and work with him.

Charles' work ethic was unmatched. I could let him in on a plan and forget it, it was a done deal. I don't know how many times drivers much younger came to me and told me how that "old man" was relentless.

Charles wasn't flashy or fast, but he was steady and solid.

It has been said that if a person will find something that they truly love to do and choose that vocation for their work, they will never work a day in their life.

Charles loved driving trucks.

Several years ago, Charles' wife Loretta took me aside and told me, "You know you don't have to pay Charles to drive that truck. He would do it for free. That is what he loves to do."

Charles and I always had a little telephone banter. I would call and say, "What are you doing?"

If he was already at home he would reply, "Just sitting on it!" Or if he was still on the road he would reply, "Just riding around!"

The story is told that a former employer of Charles' bought him a brand new truck. He drove that truck 1.2 million miles before anyone else ever drove that truck.

Charles never complained. He drove top of the line equipment, he drove older equipment. But he always got the job done.

There was a time I was starting over. Money was tight. Charles was aware of the situation and called me with an offer of help. I was thankful for the offer of financial help and for the fact that someone believed in me.

After that we enjoyed several more years of our association, two of which were record setting years for production.

I couldn't have done it without a mainstay like Charles.

We've lost a good one. A man I am proud to have known, proud to have worked along side, and proud to call my friend.

It seems so little to offer this up, but "Thank you Charles. I love you!"

FATHER, thank YOU for Charles, and for having known him and worked with him. I lift up his family and friends for YOUR comfort and care as we deal with his loss. Thank YOU for blessing our lives with him.