Richard " Dick" Charles

Richard "Dick" Charles, 89, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Dick was born on June 8, 1935 in Deer Lodge to Frank and Edna Charles. Dick joined his older brother Eddie and sister Barbara.

Dick had a very strong work ethic, which began at the age of 8 when he went to work for the local bowling alley as a pin setter, making $0.10 per game for setting up the lane. Dick worked throughout his younger years from sorting potatoes for a local farmer, stocking ice in refrigerator cars for the railroad, and working in the phosphate mines. In 1954, Dick joined the National Guard and in 1955 he joined the Army. Dick was a staff sergeant and instructor for heavy weapons and hand-to-hand combat. After finishing his Army career, Dick was a journeyman electrician for the Milwaukee Railroad and the Louisiana Pacific Lumber mill in Deer Lodge. Dick retired in 2000.

Dick married Anna May West on February 8, 1960 and they had three children: LeRoy, Robert, and Rose.

Dick loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dick enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with his boys and his sidekick, Joe Applegate. Dick was known for coming up with special names for those he loved and also for his homemade cookies & Almond Roca. He always had a bag of cookies in the freezer for the grandkids when they visited.

Dick was proceeded in death by his parents; brother and sister; his wife, Anna May; and daughter-in-law Michelle Charles. He is survived by sons LeRoy (Tracy), Robert, and daughter Rose (Dennis) Doiron;

Grandchildren: Brett (Timberlee) Charles, Kaleigh (Dustin) Premo, Nathaniel Charles, Patrick Charles, Arick Charles (Aaliyah), Drew Doiron (Cassie), Alaina Doiron, Logan Doiron (Olivia), Brock Doiron (Anna), Grant Doiron, Kade Doiron, Aleyiah Doiron; Great Grandchildren Zatara Charles, Maddox Doiron, Jaxon Premo and Aston Doiron. He is also survived by several special nieces and nephews.

A memorial is planned for Spring 2025.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Richard.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Richard and his family.