Charles E. Martin, III

Taos lost a premier home builder and all-around great guy in Charles E. Martin, III, age 72, on June 10, 2022.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Hilda and Charles Martin, II.

He is survived by his wife Bernice Sandoval; children Richard (Mandy) and John R. Martin; special step-daughters Alexis Osburn and Jennifer Forrester (Mesphin); grandchildren Elizabeth and Simon Scott, Jaziah and Zaria Forrester; brothers Rob, David, and Mike Martin (Donna), and sister Margaret Vanover; parents-in-law Arturo and Bertha Graham; brothers-in-law Charlie and Ramon Sandoval (Mary Alice), Jimmy (Denice) and Edward Graham (Angela), Tony (Demaris) and Phil Martinez (Lupe); sisters-in-law Vivian Hansen, Alice Barajas, Tina Martinez, Toni Marie Clark (Michael); and many cherished friends.

Charlie was born in Kentucky to a farming family.  It didn’t take him very long to know he didn’t want to do that for the rest of his life.  He ventured out, working on a tugboat for a time.  Later, he accomplished one of his goals in becoming a Kentucky State Trooper.  He served the commonwealth for 10 years, becoming a decorated member for bravery.  Interestingly, he utilized his scuba diving skills when working for KSP as well.  He then turned to another family business, that being home building, primarily log cabin and timber frame construction.  Therein lies the beginning of his Taos story.  In 1994 he was contracted to build a seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom Log Cabin home North of Taos, a seven-month job.  And he never left, Charlie said within two weeks of moving here, he went to MVD and switched his driver’s license to New Mexico.  He fell in love with the air, land and people.  As it turned out “The Mountain” liked him and he stayed and built numerous homes in Taos Pines and Hidden Lake east of Taos.  Charlie was known for quality building, honesty, generosity and most especially, his winning personality.  He was a “never met a stranger” kind of man.  He was outgoing, funny and as many have said, an all-around great guy.  He loved to cook and entertain family or friends or anybody.  He patiently, meticulously prepared made-to-order breakfast sandwiches with Kentucky ham/sausage, cheese, avocado or sausage gravy with homemade biscuits, you get the picture.  Cannot, not mention the Salmon Ranch raspberry margaritas.  He cared, there was an attention to detail in all he did.

Charlie was a simple man, he loved his wife and family, he loved his work, and he loved his dog Luie.  His passing will affect many, because he was loved by many.

At his request, Services are private, a Celebration of his Life is planned at the family residence in Taos, July 16, 2022 at 1:00pm.

The family of Charles E. Martin, III has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com