Charles Martin Ehmke, 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 in the company of his family and friends in Lake Charles, La. He is survived by his children, Darrell Ehmke of Ashland, Tenn., Cheryl Ehmke Lamar (John D.) of Vidor, TX., and Ron Ehmke (Don Kreger) of Buffalo, N.Y.; son-in-law Gordon Jean (Roxana) of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; grandchildren Darlene Green (Lynn), Elizabeth Hornick (Tracy), Nicole George (Adam), Libby Lamar, Marshall Jean, and Melisse Jean; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Dorothy Ehmke; brothers Herman, August, and Raymond, and sister Alice; his wife, Marilyn Carpenter Ehmke; and two children, Marvin Ehmke and Marcia Ehmke Jean. Mr. Ehmke was born on November 13, 1920, in Amy, Kansas. The youngest of five children, he spent his early years on his family's farm. After relocating to Louisiana, he worked as an insurance agent and carpenter before launching a lengthy career as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church for more than four decades. Upon his retirement he devoted himself to gardening, fitness walking, garage sales, church work, and his family. Throughout his life he spoke often and fondly of his youth and family in western Kansas. Friends and family are invited to gather Thursday, April 2, from 4 to 8 pm at Johnson Funeral Home.  A memorial service will be held Friday, April 3, 2009 at 10 A.M. at St. John in Lake Charles. Messages for the family may be shared at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net. Donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 600 University Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70605.