Bob Channel, 85, of Forsyth, Montana passed away at Rosebud Health Care Hospital on April 27, 2023, due to pneumonia. He was surrounded by his family.
Bob was born April 30, 1937, in Lawrence Kansas to Clyde and Louise Channel. His childhood was spent in Lebanon, Illinois with his mother and siblings Ron and Shirley. His love for engines and hot rods began in his teens and it continued throughout his entire life.
He married his only love Rosemary on March 8, 1962. They had three children, Christy, David, and Angie. He was widowed after 37 wonderful years together.
Bob was employed at Peabody Coal mine in Madisonville, Kentucky and took a transfer to Montana in 1973. He worked in Colstrip until he retired with Montana Power and then mowed for Rosebud County.
Anyone who knew Bob realized right away he was a “car nut”. His talent to restore old cars, build an engine and create a classic one-of-a-kind car was what he treasured most. Bob attended many car shows throughout his life all over the country and always returned home with a trophy.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Rosemary, his brother Ron, and daughter Becky.
He is survived by his children: Christy Channel and her daughter Taylor, of Billings, David (Cindie) Channel of Forsyth, their children: Angie, Alexis (David) their children: Aiden and Jude, Jerod (Brittani) their daughter Roxy, and Brooke. Angie Channel of Fargo and her children: Brett (his sons Brantlee and Benton), John, Brittany, and Chris. Along with lots of extended family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday May 5, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday May 6, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday May 6, 2023
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday May 5, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday May 6, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday May 6, 2023
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT 59327
Connie Brown says
Christy, David,Angie and family,
What wonderful memories of Buddy Bob, Rosemary and his family, especially those at Hell Creek! For the many games of pictionary and yahtzee. Sorry for your loss but glad he is pain free.
Sandi Van Pelt says
Christy, David, Angie,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. So many great memories with your Dad and Mom at the bowling alley. I am glad he isn’t struggling anymore. Hugs and prayers to you all. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Dawn Reiger says
David, Christy, Angie and family:
I’m so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing! I will always remember the so many memories of growing up with him and dad and Ron working on the cars…..he will be greatly missed! Now him and dad can build beautiful cars in heaven…..love you all and please let us know if you need anything
De-De and Terry Hause says
Sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss! You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Lelm says
I am so sorry for your loss! Prayers for the Channel family!
Tara (Brown) Gallagher says
Christy, David, Angie and family
My heart was truly broken when I heard of Buddy Bibs passing. I loved this man like he was my own father. All the memories of the lake, the car shows and the matching shirts and hats I will cherish forever. Thank you all for sharing him with the rest of us.
Danny Johnson says
Christy praying peace and comfort for you and your family.
Cheryl knepper says
Christy, we are sending our prayers to you and family. What a wonderful daddy❤️❤️❤️. Love you, Cheryl Knepper and family.
Ron Dye says
David , Christy, Angie and families. Sorry to hear the news that my buddy has went to the great car show in the sky. You all know how I felt about him. Glad I got to be part of his and your life for a little while. RIP “POPS’.
Bertha Coffman says
Christy,Angie, And David, My prayers are with you and your families, I would hear stories of Bob and Ronnie, Growing up but never really knew them until I grew up, Your dad welcome me with open arms. Ron I got to spend a little time with, and now I talk to Janet as much as I can, I really admired your dad, and wish I got to know him a lot more then I did, may God be with you, love Bertha
randy S boutelle says
So very sorry for your loss.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
David, Christy and Angie,
Sorry for your loss. We will miss waving to Bob and having him wave back.
Collene Hill says
Christy, David, and Angie;
So sorry to hear about Bob, I have great memories of the family when we use to go to Hell Creek for the week-ends boating. Our lives has changed now, but hang on to all the good memories, and all the laughing we use to do sitting around the camp fire. Love,
Collene
Melissa Knudson says
So sorry to hear about this! Such a great guy! Always enjoyed visiting during car shows!!❤️🩹. Prayers. He had a hot rod heart. Curt and Melissa Knudson. Badlands Drifters Car Club
Mitchell and Jill West says
Strength and peace to you during this time of loss.
Kurtis and Family says
So sorry to hear about your father. I’ve known you guys since you moved to Forsyth, back in 73. Mr. Channel and my dad(Richard West who passed 25 march 2023) are good friends, both car guys. I always saw Mr. Channel with a smile on his face. He and my dad can now talk about cars again. May God be with you and strengthen you during this time and throughout the rest of you lives.
Kevin Donnelly says
David and family I am sorry to hear of your loss.
May God be with you and the family.
Ken Treib says
REST IN PEACE TO THE BEST FORMAN PEABODY EVER HAD. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILIES. HES WITH ROSEMARY NOW. SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE BOB.
Shelly Batey says
Thinking of you all in such a difficult time. Your dad continued to live on after the loss of your sweet mama. It must have been so hard for him. Look how much life he lived with all of you. Now he is by his sweetheart’s side. Prayers to you all. Much love! Dee and Shelly Batey
Cathy Byron says
Christy, David and Angie –
My heart is with you during this difficult final goodbye. Bob was a loyal friend of Sam’s. More than once he came to the hospital to visit Sam during the months after his heart attack. I have a treasured knife here that Bob sharpened for us after Sam gave up on it. It still holds a razor sharp edge. Treasure the memories. That’s where the healing lies. He left big shoes for each of you to fill… and you are up to it! My prayers and heart go with you during the days ahead.