Samuel Martin

Samuel "Sam" Martin, age 85, passed away on January 7, 2026. He was born on October 5, 1940, to Otis and Mildred (McKinney) Martin in Padonia, Kansas. His family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, when he was one year old. Sam attended Council Bluffs public schools and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1958. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

After completing his military service, Sam began a long and dedicated career with Western Electric, later known as AT&T, Lucent, and Avaya, where he worked for 41 years before retiring. During his working years, he was active in many sports and enjoyed playing softball, basketball, and mixed league volleyball.

Sam was a proud and longtime member of IBEW Local 1974. He served the union faithfully, holding the office of Treasurer for many years and later serving as Vice President. He was also involved in the company safety program, reflecting his commitment to his coworkers and workplace.

Following retirement, Sam and his wife, Charlene, moved to Sun City, Arizona. They spent 18 years there enjoying retirement life, including golfing, bowling, and the many amenities the community offered. In 2021, they returned to Council Bluffs due to health concerns and to be closer to family.

Sam took great pride in several personal sports achievements. His softball team was featured in a front-page article in USA Today in 1983. He bowled a perfect 300 game while living in Sun City and achieved a hole in one at the North Golf Course in Sun City, accomplishments he spoke of with pride.

Sam will be remembered for his strong work ethic, dedication to service, love of sports, and loyalty to family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Leonard Martin, Homer Dale Martin, Wayne Martin, Mary Keast, Frieda Bucholtz, Anne Whitehill, Fern Marten, Roberta Whitehill, Norma Jean Christiansen, infant sister, Shirley Ann; daughter-in-law, Sheryl Harken; great- grandson, Henry Harken.

Sam is survived by his wife of 50 years, Charlene Martin; children, Craig Martin (Lorena, and her children, Jayden, Xander, and Conor), Randolph (Amy) Harken, Tammy (Jim) Johnson, Richard Harken, Teresa (Jack) William, Robyn (Greg) Stokes; 15 grandchildren, Jason, Jessica, Ava, Jack, Matthew, Eric, Tyler, Jake, Seth, Zachary, Rebekah, Jack, Jenna, Jerrod, Jamie; 16 great grandchildren; sister, Wilma Brooks; nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family will direct memorials.