March 4, 1936- March 5, 2024 William Charles Martin, 88, entered the arms of his Savior March 5, 2024 at SSM St. Anthony’s Hospital in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Charles was born March 4, 1936 to loving parents, Jack and Anne Martin in Macomb, Oklahoma. At the tender young age of 12, Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior under the influence of his much-respected Sunday School teacher, Grace Harrington. This decision planted in Charles a determination to lead a life of loving and serving others in hopes of pointing them to Jesus. With a pounding in his heart, he yearned for his friends and family to experience the joy, peace and love he had found.

Charles attended school in Tecumseh, Oklahoma and graduated in Big Lake, Texas where he was a decorated athlete, scholar student and natural leader at a towering height of six feet, six inches tall. Although he was offered a football scholarship to Texas Tech University, Charles chose to attend San Angelo Junior College of San Angelo, Texas where he could play both football and basketball, as basketball was his true passion. It was there he met his sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Allene Dickson.

Charles left junior college with an Associates Degree in Civil Engineering. He and Allene then headed north where he played quarterback and offensive lineman for the Iowa State Cyclones in Ames Iowa. He graduated from ISU in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. After graduation, he was drafted to play football for the Cleveland Browns. But trusting in his favorite scripture verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, he walked away from football with his wife and baby daughter, and worked as a foreman of an ISU experimental beef farm.

After two years in that position, Charles returned home to Tecumseh where he worked one year as a junior high teacher and athletic coach, then later for the Production Credit Association as an agriculture loan officer.

Often called “Charlie” by his co-workers and friends, Charles’s career path took an interesting turn when Tecumseh’s mayor, Herman Hackett, recruited him to serve as City Manager. This God-directed path resulted in a 34-year career in city administration. He served in Tecumseh for 15 years, Federick, Oklahoma for nine and half years, and in Altus, Oklahoma for nine years. He and Allene retired in Altus in 2001.

All three cities derived a major portion of their revenue for public works from the sale and distribution of electricity. This led to Charles’s election to serve on the first Board of Directors, and later as the Chairman for the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority. This 20-year volunteer tenure brought Charles and Allene much joy as they made many friends and traveled to Canada and throughout the United States for bond closings and national annual meetings.

Charles also volunteered with the Jaycees, and Rotary Clubs. He joyfully served as member, teacher, department leader, and deacon at First Baptist Church of Tecumseh, Frederick and Altus. In addition, he was a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

He passionately supported the missions of various charities including Baptist Children’s Homes, St Jude’s Hospitals, Gideon’s International and Navigators.

Outside of work life, Charles delighted in spending time with his beloved daughters, Martha Kimberly, Patrica Anne and Jenifer Elizabeth. He was their coach and biggest fan in softball, basketball, tennis, and whatever they pursued. His friends often called him a “kind, gentle, giant.”

He and Allene continued these favorite past times in later years with their seven grandchildren, and “adopted” grandchildren. They were loved and made an impact wherever the Lord led them.

Charles preceded in death by his wife, Allene Martin; parents, Jack and Anne Martin; sister, Barbara Phillips; Grandson, Timothy Nootbaar; Brother-in-law Herbert Holton and Niece, Leslie Holton Martin.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Holton; his three daughters, their spouses, and children: Kim Nootbaar Leech (Paul Leech); Patti Lamle (Adam Lamle); Jenifer Siemens (Dwight Siemens); Grandchildren: Steven Nootbaar, Michael Nootbaar (Rebekah); Autumn Lamle Cameron (Jeremy); Brock Lamle (Whitney); Will Siemens (Emily); Emily Siemens; 10 great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Memorial Service and Celebration of Life was held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2024 at William Charles Martin Park in Tecumseh with Reverend Adam Lamle, Dr. Jeff Moore and Reverend Tony Peak officiating under the direction of Cooper Funeral of Tecumseh. To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www. cooperfuneral.com.

In honor and memorium of Charles, please plant a tree, love and serve others, and seek Jesus wholeheartedly and donate to one of his favorite charities. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)