Charles Thomas Martin Jr.

Charles “Chuck” Thomas Martin Jr. 83 of Grand Prairie, passed away on February 15, 2023. Chuck was born to Charles and Lillian Martin on August 27, 1939, in Dallas, Texas. After graduating High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he achieved the rank of Senior Chief. He proudly served for over 20 years, including three tours in Vietnam, before his retirement. He was instrumental in maintaining aircraft and was called upon throughout his career for assistance and technical knowledge. Chuck started his second career at Southwest Airlines (SWA) in 1978 as an A&P Mechanic and quickly moved up the ranks becoming the Director of Maintenance for the airline. Chuck also served as a Board Member on several SWA committees and was on the Board of Advisors for the Aeronautical Technical Program for Tarrant County Community College. During his time at SWA, Chuck enjoyed many friendships and was admired for his knowledge of aircraft maintenance. He retired from the airline in 2000 after 22 years. Chuck was the best in his line of work and his legacy remains at SWA among colleagues and successors alike.

Chuck married his first wife, Juanez Martin, on November 15, 1958, at First Baptist Dallas. They shared 59 wonderful years together before her passing in 2017. Subsequently, he married his second wife, Nancy Martin, on August 10, 2019, at the Marty Leonard Community Chapel in Fort Worth. Chuck and Nancy enjoyed many sweet moments together with both his and her families.

Chuck was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling and loved the beach. Above everything he loved spending time with his family and when he could combine traveling with family, he was the happiest. Annual family trips to Destin were a very fond memory for all. The highlight of the family trips were Chuck and Juanez’s 50th wedding anniversary, where they treated their children and grandchildren to an amazing trip to the Bahama’s. It is a memory that the family will treasure forever. After Chuck and Nancy were married, they found the love for the beach to be mutual and so they purchased a house on Crystal Beach where they enjoyed numerous get aways and shared it with family.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lillian Martin; his brother, Richard Martin; and his beloved wife, Juanez Martin.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Nancy Martin; his children, Mike Martin and wife Jana, David Martin and wife Cindy, and Tammy Eastman and husband Bob; grandchildren, Tiffany Mylett and husband Jeremy, Marie Formby and husband Matt, Jenny Matt, Timothy Martin and wife Katie, Alisha Winzen and husband Kenny, Matt Eastman and wife Danielle, Jake Eastman and wife Olivia, Katie Driver and husband Travis, and Nick Eastman and fiancé Jordan; great-grandchildren, Noah Mylett, Hudson Martin, Emma Eastman, Hazel Martin, and Colton Eastman; sister, Donna Tillinghast; and sister-in-law, Evon Brant; nephews and nieces, Rick Martin, Taryn Martin, Rhonda Martin, Stacy Breedlove and husband Darren, Crystal Wersal, and Craig Tillinghast and numerous great nieces and nephews.

The family has entrusted services to Blessing Funeral Home in Mansfield. A visitation will be held in the Blessing Colonial Chapel on Monday, February 27th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held in the Blessing Colonial Chapel on Tuesday, February 28th at 12:00 Noon with committal immediately following at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.