Charles R. Larson, Sr. passed away on October 19, 2023 surrounded by his family. Charles was born on December 17, 1941 to Clarence Larson and Evelyn Olsen Larson in Missoula. Charles attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Missoula County High School, graduating in 1960. Following high school, Charles enlisted in the Air Force where he served in Morocco and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. Charles married Sandra L. Flink in June of 1964 in Missoula. After discharge from the Air Force, Charles attended the 17th Montana Highway Patrol Academy. Following the academy, Charles was stationed in White Sulphur Springs for 15 years. In 1985, Charles was promoted to Sergeant, Bureau Chief of Fleet, Supply and Engineering Services and moved to Helena. After 5 years in that role, Charles was promoted to Lieutenant and was the Inspector of the Montana Highway Patrol until his retirement from uniform service in 1995. In 1997, Charles re-joined the Highway Patrol as head of communications until his retirement in 2007.
In retirement, Charles and Sandra enjoyed camping, gardening and spending time with their family and close friends; Tom and Carla Fuhringer of Dutton, Kirk and Janie Barfuss of White Sulphur Springs, and Dr. Max Iverson of Townsend.
Charles is survived by his sister, Ellen Grant of Sammamish, Washington; two children, Charles Larson Jr. of Townsend and Theresa Grigsby (James) of East Helena; 4 grandchildren, Bradley Larson of Burlingame, California, Shelby Collins (Jason) of White Sulphur Springs, Brady Grigsby of East Helena and Hannah Grigsby of Helena. Charles is also survived by two great-grandsons, Kinder and Tegan Collins of White Sulphur Springs.
Charles’ family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Linda Frisbie says
Oh, Terri and Chuckie and all your families, I am so sorry to hear about Chuck. He will be so missed. My prayers are with all of you.
Marilu Hanson says
Terri and Chuckie,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was such a nice and caring man. Perfect for the job he was in. I have really good memories of your Mom and Dad hiring me to babysit you guys and the fun we had. They were wonderful people.
Mike Tooley says
I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go to the family left behind.
Charlie and I worked together for several years when I moved to headquarters in 1993. He had the office next to mine and I enjoyed our time together. He was a good mentor and a very good practical joker. He could take one too!
He retired from the uniformed side of the patrol and came back to run the communications section a couple of years later. He made sure that everything ran right, the paperwork was done, and nothing was out of place.
There were some good times and funny stories from visits to hilltop repeater sites that I won’t forget.
He was a good man and I the world was blessed to have him a part of it.
Mike Tooley, MHP retired
Michael Swingley says
Terri,
I worked with your dad at the radio shop when I was first an MHP Cadet. He was the first sergeant I knew, and I learned many things from him about being a good trooper. I carried his experience and advice with me for many years and was always proud to have worn the same uniform and badge as Sergeant Larson. Throughout my career with the MHP, I worked with many officers, and grew to respect some more than others. Charlie was one of those.
I will miss him. Please accept my condolences.
Respectfully,
Mike Swingley
MHP 127 retired
Julie Bunnis says
So Sorry for your loss. Charles was a great man. Always a friendly smile and willing to talk. I had the pleasure of having him as the manager at the comm center and after that helping radio techs now and again. He always had a smile on his face and a hello. Teri I’m so sorry.. If you should ever need anything please don’t hesitate to reach out..
Julie B.
Iva M Johnston says
Teri, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great person, always had a smile and would help anyone at anytime.
I was so honored to have worked with Chuck and to get to know your Mom and Dad who were both caring people.
As I sit here and can think of all the good things your Dad did for the Montana Highway Patrol. Peace be with you and your family at this time..
Retired MHP 259
Tom and Carla Fuhringer says
Charlie was a very special man to us and will be greatly missed. We have so many wonderful memories of the times our families spent together over the years. There was never a dull moment whether we were camping, harvesting or sitting around the kitchen table. We consider all of you as “family” and always will. If any of you ever need anything, you know how to get hold of us.
Rest in Peace Charlie. It’s going to be a different world without you in it.
With love and prayers,
Tom & Carla and family
Rebeccas E Johnston says
Dear Terri and Chuck and families….I was so sorry to hear about your wonderful father. Many years of remembering him and your mother…always a smile on their faces and willing to help others whenever needed.
My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you…
Becky Johnston