Charles Raymond Martin, born July 17, 1926, in Shimpstown, Montgomery Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, graduated to his heavenly home on April 3, 2022, at his residence in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Born to Amos Peter Martin and Anna Mary Shelley, Charles was the youngest of eight sons.
Charles attended Montpelier School in Montgomery Township through the eighth grade. He later completed his GED and ministry school for ordination.
Charles married Hilda Lorraine Niswander on Nov. 19, 1947. They were married 27 years until she passed on Dec. 11, 1973. To this union were born Shirley Lorraine Pittman (David) of Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania; Dwaine Charles Martin (Roberta) of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Terry Lee Martin of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and James Anthony Martin (Kelli) of Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania. An infant son, Perry Lynn, twin of Terry, died at birth.
Charles married Evelyn Good Hege Lehman of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 20, 1975. They were married 43 years until Evelyn passed on March 15, 2018.
Charles was a dairy farmer in his younger years until Hilda passed. He then worked for Peters Township for a few years before selling Surge dairy products.
At age 29, Charles was called to the free ministry in the Church of the Brethren and willingly served Back Creek Congregation and Brandts Church for over 66 years. His passion was for others to know the peace, joy, and hope that comes from a life surrendered to Jesus.
Charles and Evelyn owned Sunny Side Antiques, and after Evelyn's passing Charles continued to keep the store open six days a week until age 93. Sunny Side Antiques gave opportunity for many lasting friendships over the years. Charles enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
In addition to his children, Charles is survived by grandchildren Shane (Tina) Peck; Shawn (Diane) Peck; David (Christine) Pittman; Angela (Joseph) Hardison; Jonathan (Danielle) Martin; Kristin (Paul) Lundy; Elizabeth (Luis) Vanderhorst; Caleb Charles (Lawson) Martin, Micah Martin, and Rachel Evelyn Martin; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Charles is survived by two sisters-in-law, Virginia Hege and Connie Niswander, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his seven brothers, Paul Revere, Christian Daniel, Wilbur Lloyd, James Nelson, Russell Shelly, Edgar John, and Jacob Earl; and grandsons, Joel (Kristen Tyler) Martin and Michael Pittman. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Brandts Church in Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania, with a meal to follow.
Viewing and visitation will be Friday April 8, 2022, from 3:00– 5:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Brandts Church. Burial will be at Saint Thomas Cemetery.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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