Carl J. "C.J." Martin, age 78, Osceola, passed away at 5:55 pm Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at the Hospice House of Elkhart County. Carl was born September 26, 1931 in Salina, Ohio to the late Joseph and Edith Martin. On December 3, 1977, he married Linda Middleton in South Bend.
Linda survives, along with their children, Diane (Rich) Regulinski of South Bend, Nancy (James) Thrasher of South Bend, Donna McKay of Mishawaka, Lesley (Rodney) Perry of Osceola, and David (Janet) Middleton of Mishawaka. Carl was preceded in death by his son, Mike Martin, and his daughter, Debbie Claeys. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Connie Martin of Mishawaka, 20 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 2:00 pm funeral service on Monday, March 15, 2010 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Carl was employed by Penn Harris Madison School Corporation, and later Preston Freightline as a mechanic until his retirement in 1993. During his employment, Carl was a member of the Teamsters Union Local # 364 for over 40 years. In his spare time, he loved fishing, going for "Sunday drives," and watching his grandsons play softball. He also loved his dog, Gracie, very much. In his memory, donations may be given to the Cedar Road Missionary Church in Osceola.