Charles Lee Hinkle

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Charles 'Chuck' Hinkle, age 76, of Philipsburg, MT was called to eternity into the arms of our Lord.  Chuck was born in Bellingham, WA, to Ben and Sylvia Hinkle.  He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1967. As a teenager Chuck spent his years playing football, hunting, waterskiing, and boxing.  His father was a champion boxer on his ship and his uncle was a navy fleet champion (WWII).

Chuck studied Forestry in college, worked in Washington and moved to Alaska, working for the U.S. Forest Service.  Chuck managed timber sales and had extensive experience in wildland firefighting.  Alaska is where he met and married Heidi.  They moved to Philipsburg in 1984. Chuck served as a Granite Co. Commissioner from 2019-2024.

Chuck and Heidi had many adventures, traveling all over the USA and abroad, visiting many historical sites, as Chuck had a passion for history and documenting his own ancestry. Chuck directly traced his American ancestry back to Jamestown 1619 and to the Culpepper Minute Men who were integral in defeating the British in the Revolutionary war.

They raised three children, Tambe Summers (John), Jedediah Hinkle (Kyndall), and Caleb Hinkle, and have five grandchildren, Trevor and Tanner Summers (Tambe and John), and Adelyn, Hezekiah, and Annelise Hinkle (Jed and Kyndall).

Chuck was an incredible hunter, built muzzleloaders, became proficient in French, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionally called him Grandpere.  Chuck was very passionate about watching his two sons Jed & Caleb serve in the Montana Legislature as Representatives, watching them online every day.  Chuck and both his sons were elected to public office and all served during the same time period.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents,

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Heidi; their three children, their five grandkids; and his brother, Greg Hinkle (Gail).

A celebration of life for Chuck will be held at the Philipsburg Community Church on Saturday, November 1st, at 11am.

Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Chuck.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory have been privileged to care for Chuck and his family.