Michael Charles Martin October 8, 2026

Michael Charles Martin, a deeply loved husband, father, Grandpa, Papa, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at the age of 66.

Born in Modesto, California, February 11th 1960, Michael was a hardworking man with a strong faith, a carefree spirit, and a love for making people laugh. Above all, he was a family man. He loved his wife, Gayle, dearly and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. 

Michael is survived by his wife, Gayle; his son, Steven, and daughter-in-law, Samantha; his daughter, Abbie, and son-in-law, Esteban; his six beloved grandchildren, Audrey, Everette, Nolan, Esteban Jr., Ezekiel, and Enzo; his father George and sisters Georgia and Patti.

To his wife, Michael was a best friend. They married in May of 1989. They celebrated 37 years of marriage this year. As husband and wife they enjoyed their growing family and weathered every storm, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Michael loved Gayle dearly. 

To his children, he never stopped teaching. From their childhood, Michael taught the kids to hunt, fish, weld, and fix just about anything. He showed them how to work on cars, boats, and things around the house. He’d often stop at garage sales or find a good deal on Craigslist or marketplace and show his kids how to flip it for extra cash. He also taught the kids about his love for Jesus. Michael showed up to everything, his daughter’s basketball games, his son’s football games, family events and more. When his kids got married he adopted their spouses as his own. He’d encourage his daughter in law with projects around the house and call his son in law just to see how his day was. He wasn’t just Dad, he was their friend. Michael had a way of connecting with people in the most authentic way, his kids knew they could talk to him about anything and he’d listen and share advice. 

To his grandchildren, he was Grandpa and Papa. He loved being outside with them, joking, laughing, and sharing the things he enjoyed. He’d sit and watch videos with them about Bigfoot, camping, fishing and anything about the outdoors. Michael had a playful, easygoing way about him that made being around him fun. He genuinely enjoyed his family and the time with his grandkids was most special to him. 

Michael spent his career as an electrician, working for Procter & Gamble and G3 before retiring from the City of Modesto as an Electrical Supervisor. 

Michael was an avid bass fisherman who competed in many tournaments and loved taking his children hunting for pheasant, squirrel, hog, turkey, and deer. He was a Raiders fan, played football and baseball in his younger years, and loved classic rock and country music. Michael loved Jesus. He loved reading his Bible and talking about his faith.

Michael was a beloved husband, a dedicated father, a proud Grandpa, and a man who loved his family with his whole heart. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. May he rest in peace in Heaven.