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MARTINEZ -- Charles Robert Martinez, age 87, passed away on Friday, March 11,2011 at Signature Healthcare Center in Columbia, Tennessee following an extended illness. Charles was born November 9, 1923 in Raton, New Mexico. Charles was preceded in death by his parents Eli M. Martinez and Lucille Watkins Martinez and his brother William David Martinez (David). Charles attended Raton High School and married his childhood sweetheart Marilyn Derickson January 4, 1942. Charles joined the United States Navy. Charles served on the submarine, USS Stingray, during World War II. He made five war patrols during WWII, which took him to Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. After his military service, Charles returned to Raton. Later, the Martinez family moved to Michigan where Charles obtained his education. Charles worked as an electrical engineer for Lear/Siegler, a defense contractor, from 1950 until his retirement in 1986. Charles and Marilyn then moved to Mount Pleasant, Tennessee to live with their youngest daughter, Cathy. Charles was admitted to Signature Health Care in October of 1997 and his wife, Marilyn, was admitted only 8 weeks later. The Martinez' celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in January of this year. In addition to his wife, Charles is survived by two daughters, Charyl Martinez Moss (Douglas) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Cathy Martinez Stefon (Charles Jackson) of Columbia, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild and several cousins. A service was held in Columbia, Tennessee following cremation. Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery, Raton, New Mexico at a later date.
        Published on: Sun March 27, 2011