Charles Martin Iii

Charles Henry Martin, III, beloved son of Charles and Doris Martin, died in Topeka July 23, 2016 after a brief illness. He was 78. Chuck, as he was known to his family, was born in Chanute, Kansas on June 20, 1938.

While his father was gone from home during World War II, Chuck and his family lived in Topeka with his grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Martin. His grandmother taught him how to read, a skill that most individuals with Chuck's level of disability do not have. Chuck enjoyed reading the newspaper, books and magazines throughout his life. His mother took Chuck to the Public Library two or three times a week to pick out books to read. His mother and grandmother also introduced him to the hobby of bird watching which he truly liked.

Chuck attended Lincoln Elementary School in Topeka for a few years and then he attended the Brown School in Austin, Texas, but later he moved back to Topeka and established his home with Sheltered Living where his home remained for over 30 years. Sheltered Living gave Chuck the opportunity to go to camp, go on trips, attend church and participate in social activities. Chuck enjoyed his housemates, dancing, bowling and watching or listening to baseball games or Kansas Jayhawk basketball.

Every Sunday, Chuck and his family gathered for a family dinner. Chuck enjoyed a special relationship with each member of his family. He enjoyed visiting with each one of them, asking them what they have been doing during the past week and hearing about each of his relative's activities at school, at work, at church or in the community and each family member made a point to visit with Chuck. Everyone in the family can tell their own "Chuck story" about something he said or did during these weekly conversations that made them laugh. Quite often, conversations with Chuck ended with a big hug.

Chuck's life was a gift to his many friends and his family, all of whom are better people for having known him. We know that God did not choose Chuck to be less than anyone. We believe He chose Chuck to be stronger, braver and more compassionate than anyone else and he was. Chuck had a great smile, a subtle wit and a twinkle in his eye. We are happy that he is now freed from the confines of his earthly body and we believe that his grace will endure.

Chuck's family has many people and agencies to thank for his remarkable life. Chuck loved caring for the dogs and cats at the Helping Hands Humane Society. He loved playing bingo at LULAC. He spent several days each week participating in activities at TARC. Sheltered Living, Inc. held a special place in Chuck's heart. On one memorable Thanksgiving Day, the family gathered in a circle and each person was asked to express something they were thankful for. When Chuck's turn came, he said "I'm thankful for my home at Sheltered Living."

Chuck is survived by his two sisters, Karen Martin Craig (Harry) and Anne Martin Bennett (Doug Wright) as well as his nieces and nephews, Beth Anne Branden (Russ), H. Craig (Paula), Sarah Craig, Catherine Craig, Craig Bennett (Sarah), Liz Hawver (Zach) and their son Atlas and his great nieces and nephews, Kate Moser (Ben), Matthew Garrett, Josh Watson (Jenna) and their daughter Logan, Burgess Wicker (Chris), Zack Bernal, Nick Bernal, Isabel Craig, Caroline Craig, Jared Bray and Elle Bray and many more cousins.

Chuck spent the last few days of his life at Stormont-Vail Hospital and Midland Hospice and the family appreciates their care and compassion for him. Now, Chuck's loving family entrusts him to the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Until we meet again, Chuck.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Charles Martin will be held Friday July 29, 2016 at St. David's Episcopal Church at 11 o'clock. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Sheltered Living, Inc., 3401 SW Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66611 or to TARC, 2701 SW Randolph Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66611.

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