Charles Wallace Martin, 86, of Hope
Charles Wallace Martin, known to everyone as Wallace, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, at the age of 86 in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas.
Born on December 14, 1938, in Hope, Wallace was the son of the late A.G. and Agnes Gaines Martin. He graduated from Hope High School in 1957.
A lifelong public servant, Wallace began his career with the Hope City Police Department in 1960. After five years of serving the residents of Hope, he achieved his dream of joining the Arkansas State Police in 1965. Over the next three decades, he dedicated himself to the safety and well-being of Arkansans, retiring with the rank of Corporal. After a short retirement, Wallace was elected Hempstead County Judge, faithfully serving an additional eighteen years and continuing his legacy of leadership and service.
An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Wallace found joy in deer hunting with family and friends. Most weekends, he could be found on the family farm, grilling Sunday lunch, visiting with his boys, and delighting in the laughter of grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they ran through the grass and played with the donkeys. To them, he was simply “Pop,” a name spoken with love that reflected the special bond he shared with each of them.
Wallace was a longtime member of Unity Baptist Church, where he lived out his faith through service to others.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Ruth Calhoun Martin; four sons, Scott Martin (Holly), Stan Martin (Sherri), David Martin, and Steven Martin (Laura Beth); nine grandchildren, Aaron (Ashley), Tanner, Paige (Ethan), Marc (Tabitha), Mary Kathryn, Annabeth, Lydia, Luke, and Isaiah; two great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Alex; and his brother, Jerry Don Martin; and bonus son John Kennedy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, A.G. and Agnes Martin; his brother, Terrell Dean Martin; and his cherished great-grandson, Henry Cahill Moore
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hope Haven and Dierksen Hospice for their compassionate care and support, with special thanks to nurses India and Paige.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Unity Baptist Church or Hope For Paws, c/o Carol Robinson, 2858 Hwy 174 S., Hope, Arkansas.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in the Memory Gardens Cemetery with Bro. Jay Pollan officiating, under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home.
We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love.
