Charles J. Martin, age 83, of North Lawrence, died Friday, June 29, 2012 surrounded by his family at Aultman's Compassionate Care Center following an extended illness.

He was born August 3, 1928, the son of the late Charles and Loyola (Coyne) Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ann Martin who died in 1964; infant son, Edward Martin; sister, Gertrude Schott Caillet; brothers, Joseph Schott, James Martin and Joe Martin.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Vera (Pavkov) Martin with whom he just celebrated 60 years of marriage; daughters, Cindy (Don) Harwig, Sue (Bob) Princehorn, Cathy (Mike) Peters, Becky (Bob) Frost, all of Massillon and Connie (Mark) Slezak of Pennsylvania; sons, Chuck (Amy) Martin, John and Tom Martin; sisters, Doris Rohr, Theresa Mansfield, and Mary Dewalt all of Massillon, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

He was a dairy farmer for more than 60 years. Charles was a former member of Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church in Canal Fulton and a current member of St. Barbara Catholic Church, K of C Council #554 3rd degree, National Farmers Organization, National Right to Life, Stark County Right to Life and Canal Fulton Grange for 50 years.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 1, 2012 from 6 to 8 P.M. at Heitger Funeral Home - Massillon Chapel, 639 First St NE. Prayer Vigil will begin at 5:45 P.M.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 2, 2012 at St. Barbara Catholic Church at 10 A.M. with Rev. Thomas Cebula celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Right to Life of Stark County PO Box 8834, Canton, OH 44711 or to Aultman Compassionate Care Center - Aultman Foundation, Attn: Lee Kenny, 2600 Sixth St SW, Canton, OH 44710.

Please leave condolences at www.heitger.com

Heitger Funeral Service - MASSILLON CHAPEL 330-833-3248

Massillon's Oldest Family Owned Business