Charles G. Martz

Charles G. Martz, age 89, 2361 Third Street, Espy, died at his home and was pronounced at 7:38 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2013.

Born in Bloomsburg on November 10, 1923; he was a son of the late Wilbur and Sallie (DeWalt) Martz. A 1941 graduate of the former Scott Twp. High School, he lived in the Bloomsburg area all his life.

For 32 years Charles was employed as a truck driver for Wise Foods, Inc., Berwick, retiring in 1985.

He was a long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, Espy. Other memberships include Valley of Bloomsburg Post 273, American Legion; Fort McClure Post 804 VFW; Washington Lodge 265, F&AM; Caldwell Consistory; and life member of the Bloomsburg Elks Lodge 436.

Charles served in the U.S. Army in Europe and the South Pacific during World War II. During that time, he was awarded the following medals: Good Conduct Medal; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, with which he received two bronze battle stars; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Prior to joining the Army, Charles served in the Merchant Marines in Philadelphia working on barges and dredging the harbors in Philadelphia and Delaware.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, the former Martha G. Crawford on January 26, 2011; and by two sisters, Ethel Slater and Emma Madden.

Surviving are four children: Donna Mae, wife of Angelo J. Esposito, Sayre; Judith Ann, wife of Sterling Aten, Berwick; Terry Charles Martz, wife Linda, Wilmington, Del.; Thomas Wilbur Martz, wife Gayle, Berwick; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and three sisters: Beatrice Harmon, Berwick; Margaret Hughes, Sunbury and Dawn, wife of Donald McHenry, Stillwater.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. John Lutheran Church, 2575 Old Berwick Road, Espy, with his pastor, Rev. Gordon E. Smith officiating. Interment in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy with military honors by the Berwick VFW. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. John‘s Lutheran Church, 2575 Old Berwick Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc. Funeral & Cremation Service, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg.