Martin, Charles Oliver

Lea County Families and History, Then and Now, Vol II, 1984

Martin, Charles Oliver

By: Frances Fitzhugh Barreras    

Charles Martin Oliver was my great-uncle. He was born in Coahoma, Texas, June 2. 1908. He had four sisters: Iva, Ola, Rachel and Alice. His parents were Sherwood and Melissa Pearl ( Thomason) Martin. They moved to Eunice in September 1918 from Coahoma, Texas. Sherwood was a farmer and died in Europe in the spring of 1937. Melissa Pearl died February 16, 1969 in Hobbs. Charley was fond of his mother and she resided with him until her death.

     Charley attended school in Eunice, He started working on ranches at an early age. He was a familiar sight at round-ups and brandings. He worked at various ranches throughout the years including "Ace Christmas", Ralph McWhorter and Charley's cousin, Emory King.

     Charley served in the Army in World War II. He returned to Hobbs after the war. In later years he worked for John West Engineering Company. He retired in Hobbs.

     Charley died peacefully in his sleep at Eunice November 1, 1978 while visiting friends, Cloe and Dee Sims.

     My sons, John Anthony, Stephen Dale (who died at age 16 in 1977), and Charles Edward and I remember "Uncle Charley" with fond memories. My sister and her family, Jenna and Donald Barr, and children, Deborah and Richard, also remember some interesting, humorous, warm times when al got together for a visit.

     The days of the "Ole Cowboy" are a thing of the past. But their memories ride in the wind and on the prairies in this great land of Enchantment, New Mexico.