Carl Dewey Martin, age 78, of Dunbar, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on February 23, 2025.

Carl was born to the late Sherman and Mary Martin on June 20, 1946 in Charleston.

As a child, Carl enjoyed playing outdoors, specifically playing softball and basketball with friends.  This love of sports was a theme throughout his life.  As a young adult, Carl actively participated in many church softball leagues and later became an umpire.  He also became active as a referee for the Catholic Church Youth Basketball League where he served passionately with the youth of Charleston for many years.  He was an inspiration on and off the court.

Carl graduated from Dunbar High School in 1966 and enjoyed everything about being a Bulldog.  Shortly after high school, Carl enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served.  He made many lasting friends and memories during his travels aboard the U.S.S.  Waller until 1971.  He would fondly recount his stories to anyone who would listen.  After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Carl lived for a short time in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he got to experience the booming auto industry there.  After returning home to West Virginia, Carl got a job at SportMart, where he worked until the store's closing.  He very much enjoyed all of the connections he made during his time at SportMart.  He retired from Komax Business Systems in 2014 and embarked on his most favorite line of employment, being a full-time grandfather.

Carl's faith in Jesus Christ was a cornerstone in his life.  A faithful member of Spring Hill Baptist Church of South Charleston, he would happily share his testimony and Lord's love with anyone he met.  He never met a stranger and always sought to make a new friend and lead someone to Christ.  In recent years, he faced many challenges physically, but his faith and trust in God never wavered.  He spent many hours over the past few years, reading, studying, and living in God's Word.  Throughout all of the obstacles Carl faced, he had a steadfast support: his loving wife Judy.  He was quick to share his gratitude for her and all she sacrificed to take the absolute best care of him.  At every holiday meal (even though he could no longer take part in them), he raved about how wonderful everything was.  He deeply enjoyed Judy's knack for decorating for the holidays his very favorite being Christmas.  He enjoyed recording Hallmark Christmas movies to share with his daughter, Kara.  Of all the titles and honors Carl earned, by far, he was most proud of the title "Pops".  He cherished every moment he had with his three beautiful granddaughters: Emerson, Addy, and Harper.  He almost always had his camera at-the-ready to snap a picture or video to share.

Carl will always be remembered for his genuine love of family, faith, and community.  He was an inspiration to many and will be missed immensely.

Carl is survived by his wife, Judy Martin; daughter, Kara Thomas (Ryan); granddaughters, Emerson, Addy, and Harper Thomas; along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar followed by entombment with full military honors in Grandview Memorial Park.

Friends may visit from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Samaritan's Purse via their website:  www.samaritanspurse.org or by mailing a donation to Samaritan's Purse at PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net