SEARSPORT – Charles Sidney Martin, 79, died at Waldo County General Hospital on March 26, 2004, following a long illness. He was born Dec. 31, 1924, in Stoneham, Mass., the son of Charles Benjamin and Lurena Getrude (Lynde). He served his country with honor and valor as a member of the U.S Coast Guard from 1942 until his retirement in 1963, where for some period of time he protected the East Coast as the keeper of several lighthouses. Following his retirement from the service, he went to work as a transportation facilitator for St. Johnsbury Trucking Co. until his retirement in 1978. He was an ardent harness racing fan, attending races throughout New England. He lived and died with the fortunes of the Red Sox and Patriots. He was also the most intense cribbage player in his family. Charles Sidney Martin was a firm believer in service to his community, as a member of the VFW (Belfast), the Mariners Masons Lodge (Searsport) and the Anah Shrine (Belfast), and could always be found lending a helping hand to whatever fundraising or other community activity these organizations were involved with. He was predeceased by his sisters, Arlene Martin and Natalie Denuzio. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverly (Williams) Martin; nine loving children, Patricia Patten and husband, John, Stephen, Richard and wife, Roberta, Robert and wife, JoAnn, Dawna Bailey, Jerry Martin and wife, Therese, Terry Armstrong and husband, Mark, Norman, and Laurie Waldman and husband, Ira; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one nephew, and three nieces. According to his wishes, his remains will be cremated and his ashes will be interred at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Augusta. A memorial service honoring his life will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at Searsport Methodist Church, 43 East Main St., Searsport, with the Rev. Robert Murchie officiating. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Charles S. Martin to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 and the Waldo County General Hospital, Dialysis Unit, 117 Northport Ave., Belfast, ME 04915. But now as morning breaks anew My vigil for a time is through, Another lighthouse keeper though Has set a guiding light aglow. <
CHARLES SIDNEY MARTIN
