Gerald “Jerry” Charlton passed away suddenly in Helena September 26, 2010 with both of his sons at his side.
Jerry was born April 21, 1927, to Edward and Theresa (Collett) Charlton in Roundup, MT. He was the fifth of six children. He attended Roundup schools graduating from High school a bit early in the spring of 1945 to enlist in the Navy. Dad honorably served his country in the Pacific through the end of WWII including spending time in Japan until his discharge in August 1946.
Jerry spent the next two years attending Mortuary College in San Francisco, California, graduating in 1948.
He married Emmy Lou Daer September 19, 1948, in Richland, Washington. They made their home in various places including Roundup, Bozeman, Lewistown, and for many years in Helena.
Jerry was employed at many places over the years including the Roundup Coal Company, Milwaukee Railroad, Creel Funeral Home, Wier Furniture and Funeral Home, Boeing Company, and the Montana Department of Transportation Right of Way Bureau where he retired in 1989 after many years of service.
In his spare time, he enjoyed logging many solo hours in single wing aircrafts. He also officiated basketball and football games for high schools and college for over 30 years.
Jerry and wife Lou spent their summer retirement time golfing at Bill Roberts Golf Course where they both had the pleasure of scoring a “hole in one”. They also enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Both volunteered for many years at St. Peters Community Hospital.
During this last year, Dad truly enjoyed our family dinners and outings ordering his regular “tall stiff scotch and water” and his steak “rare but hot”. Little did we know that early Sunday evening God would gently call him home. In life we loved you dearly; in death though love remains, we will miss you deeply.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lou, son Gregory Allen, parents, sister and four brothers.
He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-laws James and Debera; Van and Mary Pat; grandson Craig and wife Courtney; granddaughters Kendra Charlton and Bret Charlton; and great grandchildren Abigail and Jonathan Charlton; all of Helena.
Cremation has taken place. Burial will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2010. A memorial service celebrating Jerry’s life will take place at Covenant United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately following.
The family expresses their appreciation to both Dr. Richard Paustian and Dr. Michael Strekall for their expert and professional care over the many years of treating Dad’s heart disease. A special thanks to the warm and smiling faces of the Waterford staff.
Memorials are suggested to the Covenant United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2330 E Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, or The Waterford, 915 Saddle Drive, Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be given to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Bob and Carolyn Dolderer says
We have many great memories of ‘The Charltons’, first meeting them when ‘The Barretts’ moved to Helena in the 70’s and bought a home across the street on Broadway. Church and golf gave us more good times together and when the Barretts moved, the two couples continued their friendship, getting together in Helena, ‘the river’ or Gt. Falls. As hard as it is to loose our parents, their example of love and devotion to family and friends continues to live through us. Bob and Carolyn
Boni Bridges Loudon says
Your Dad was a wonderful man and a great friend to my father, Webster Bridges. He made this world a better place by being here. I so enjoyed all the golf I played with your Dad and Mom and my Dad. My condolenscenses in your loss. May God Bless Boni Bridges Loudon
Tom & Lori Gustin says
On behalf of the Neuhardt, Gustin and Haller families, we wish to express our most heartfelt sympathy at your loss. Jerry was a good man and we were glad to see him over visiting at the lake this summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Trish Pentecost says
Jim & Deb;
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your father rest in peace.
Always,
Trish