Charles B. Martin, 68

Charles B. Martin, 68, of Vista, CA, died Monday, May 30, 2005, in Thornton Hospital, La Jolla, CA.

Born Jan. 30, 1937, in Fallbrook, he had lived in Vista about 40 years. Charlie was a graduate of Fallbrook High School in 1954. He spent most of his adult life working as a heavy duty equipment operator on many huge jobs throughout California. In fact, he was driving tractors in Fallbrook with his father, Vern Martin, and brother, Hugh, when he was in his early teens. Many of our area roads were constructed by Martin and Sons. He served in the US Army after graduating from high school, where he was assigned as a heavy equipment operator at Fort Leonardwood, MO. Charlie was very interested in guns and hunting and was a lifetime member of the National Riflemen’s Association. In later years he became interested in working with wood and many value the beautiful works of art he created.

Because of cancer, he spent his final years in pain but continued his interests until the end. He will be missed by his family and many very loyal friends.

Charlie is survived by his son Bill of Carlsbad; two sisters, Ann Mathwig of Torrance, CA, and Mary Rivers of Fallbrook, CA; brother Hugh Martin of Reno, NV; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2005, at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Chapel, 333 N. Vine at E. Mission. A gathering will be held immediately following the service for everyone at Crestview Mobile Home Estates Clubhouse, 1120 E. Mission Rd.

The family suggests donations be made to Fallbrook Historical Society, PO Box 1375, Fallbrook, CA 92028.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary handled the arrangements.