Charles R Lanes

Charles “Chuck” Roy Lanes, 81, had his heavenly adoption finalized on Monday, October 5, 2026, following a motorcycle accident. He has gone to his forever home with the Lord.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, and proud United States Navy veteran, Chuck leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and cherished memories.

Born June 17, 1945, to Oscar and Lois Lanes, Chuck grew up in Anaconda, Montana, and attended Anaconda High School. In 1988, he graduated from Trinity Bible College, furthering his lifelong commitment to faith and ministry.

Chuck shared 58 years of marriage with his beloved and supportive wife, Sandi. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family. Although often quiet and reserved, Chuck had a distinctive wit and playful sense of humor that emerged among those closest to him. Whether sharing a joke, offering thoughtful guidance, or simply enjoying time together, he created memories his family and friends will always treasure.

Chuck proudly served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1971, attaining the rank of Interior Communications Electrician Second Class (IC2). A Vietnam War veteran, he completed two tours of duty aboard Navy destroyers, participating in aircraft carrier screening, coastal operations, and brown-water operations in Vietnam’s inland and coastal waterways. His military service remained a source of lifelong pride and reflected his commitment to duty, honor, and country.

As an ordained minister, Chuck served for 38 years, devoting much of his life to sharing the Gospel and serving others. A true “Fisher of Men,” he welcomed people from all walks of life and lifestyles with an open heart, offering compassion, encouragement, and spiritual guidance.

Chuck served as pastor of Whitehall Assembly of God Church for 15 years, and his ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He carried forward the construction of the church begun by his first pastor and longtime mentor, whose guidance had played an instrumental role in Chuck’s own calling to ministry. Taking the lead in completing the project, Chuck personally contributed countless hours of labor and craftsmanship. The church stands as a lasting testament to his faith, determination, and dedication to his community.

He was also a skilled electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 36 years. Chuck took great pride in his trade, bringing technical expertise, ingenuity, and a strong work ethic to everything he did.

Outside of his professional and ministerial pursuits, Chuck enjoyed restoring classic cars and was an avid stock car racing enthusiast, frequently attending races in Belgrade, Montana. He also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, enjoying countless rides and serving as a chaplain on organized motorcycle rides. In that role, he combined his love of riding with his faith and fellowship. He spent his final day doing something he truly loved, enjoying the freedom and peace he found on the open road.

Whatever Chuck undertook, he gave it his all. Whether applying his skilled craftsmanship, solving complex challenges, sharing the Gospel, or building meaningful relationships, he approached every endeavor with purpose, determination, and unwavering commitment. He never believed in doing things halfway, and that devotion was evident in both the work of his hands and the lives he touched.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Sandi Lanes; his children, Bill (Dina) Lanes, Holli (Jeremy) Bennett, and Justin Lanes; his grandchildren, Dawson (Brinleigh) Lanes, BreeAnne (Jesse) Lamb, Dallon and Brooklynn Lanes, Joshua (Kari) Parrow, Jacob (Makayla) Parrow, Caleb, Christian, Collin and Crystal Lanes; and his great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Schmidt, Daltyn Schmidt, Aniyah Parrow, Jayleigh and Everleigh Lanes.

He also leaves behind his two beloved beagles, AwnJa and Aarne, who brought companionship, affection, and joy to his and Sandi’s home.

He is also survived by his brothers, Oscar “Butch” Lanes, Duane Lanes, and Carl Lanes; and his sister, Charlotte Cooper. Chuck shared a particularly close bond with his siblings and many nieces and nephews, cherishing the relationships, laughter, and memories they shared throughout his life. He also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lois Lanes; his brother, Terry Lanes; his sister, Susan Mehelich; and his great-grandson, Dyllan Murray.

Family, friends, veterans, and fellow motorcycle riders are welcome to join in honoring Chuck and celebrating his life.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Whitehall Assembly of God Church, 61 st Street East, Whitehall, Montana. A luncheon will immediately follow the service.

A graveside service with military honors will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, Montana.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bill Lanes, Justin Lanes, Jeremy Bennett, Joshua Parrow, Jacob Parrow, Dawson Lanes, Dallon Lanes, and Caleb Lanes.

In lieu of flowers or food, the family requests that memorial donations be made in honor of Chuck Lanes to any of the following:

Glacier Bible Camp Snack Stand Fund

Montana Ministry Network 2147 Overland Avenue, Suite 100 Billings, MT 59102

Please designate donations for the Glacier Bible Camp Snack Stand Fund.

Patriot Guard Riders honors fallen heroes and supports their families through memorial missions and military honors.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-forward-our-mission 

For those who wish to provide direct support, memorial contributions may also be made to Chuck’s wife, Sandi, to help ease the financial burdens and unexpected expenses following his passing. A fund has been set up at Southwest Montana Community Federal Credit Union under the name "Chuck Lanes Memorial Fund," Whitehall Branch, 9 S Main Street, Whitehall, MT 59759. (406) 287-5496. Donations may be sent directly to the bank or given to the family and made out to the memorial fund.

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” — Psalm 113:3

Chuck often spoke of the western sky, where the sun sets behind the mountains. It was among those mountains that his earthly journey came to an end. His family takes comfort in his enduring faith and the promise of eternal life.

His legacy lives on in the family he raised, the church he built, the lives he touched, and the love he leaves behind.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home is privileged to care for Charles and his family.