Major Charles Marsters (Usaf, Ret.)

Charles L. Marsters

November 6, 1936-February 28, 2023

Major Charles LeRoy Marsters (USAF, Ret.) was born November 6, 1936, in Oregon, to Collas and Marjorie Marsters. Chuck was the firstborn who greatly loved his brother, David, and sister, Colleen (whose name was chosen by Chuck). His love for camping came from family trips to Bend, OR, where they stayed for weeks at a time.

In high school, reading encyclopedias paid off, and Chuck earned distinction as class valedictorian. The next chapters of his life continued at Willamette University followed by Air Force enlistment, marriage, and fatherhood.

Chuck was proud of the work he did in the Air Force, although he rarely talked about the details.  Decades after retirement, he shared stories about his time in Asia as foreign service officer, earning the Bronze Star.  While stateside, Chuck had the distinct honor of meeting and briefing President Jimmy Carter.

On a whim, Chuck took his kids to the world premiere of Star Wars.  The movie and its sequels became a fun thread woven into the family tapestry, with the Lord of the Rings movies added for good measure.  Subsequently, because of his unusual perspective and fascination with science fiction and fantasy, Chuck authored the Spoonworld Novels .

A year later, Chuck married Naomi Tuning and welcomed her children into the family. Their blended family grew to include grandchildren.

Following Naomi’s death, Chuck married his childhood friend, Jeannie Martens. The family grew to include her children and grandchildren. After Jeannie passed away, Chuck stayed in Oakdale as God continued working out the plan for his life.

He loved classical and barbershop music.  One Sunday at church, Chuck invited Darlene Anderson to accompany him to a concert. From that night on, his heart beat for Darlene. Upon their marriage, Chuck’s family grew once again with the addition of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Chuck’s life revolved around his family.  Sundays and Wednesdays were reserved for church; weekends centered around band performances, football games, and family dinners.

God’s incredible love and mercy inspired him to study the Bible more diligently through Bible Study Fellowship and his work with The Gideons.  Chuck rejoiced in God’s promises and knew one day he would live with God throughout eternity.  During the course of his illness, Chuck shared with Darlene and his Gideon friend, Vince, he had visited Heaven.  There he saw very tall angels, heard the most beautiful music and saw unimaginable colors.  While on earth, Chuck could not even see the most basic colors–he was color blind.

Chuck is survived by beloved wife, Darlene; sons David (RuthAnn), Commiskey, IN, and Michael, Tallahassee, FL; daughter Nancy (Jeff) Carr, Savannah, GA; stepdaughters  Sandra Gish, Kathy (Mike) Dyrdal and Debbykay (Steven) Peterson; stepsons Ron Tuning, Michael Tuning (deceased), Ken Martens (deceased) and Don (Edie) Anderson; sister Colleen (Jack) Levin, sister-in-law Tommie Marsters; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Chuck believed and often quoted Jeremiah 33:3

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

On February 28, 2023, Chuck met Jesus face-to-face.