Charles E Beauchot (Charlie), 88, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Skyline Heights Nursing and Rehab in Billings, MT. He was born June 29, 1936, in Two Dot, Montana to Mary and Robert Beauchot.
Growing up in Harlowton, MT, he attended school there until 1952 when his father was transferred to Miles City to work for the Milwaukee Railroad. He graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City, in 1956. A certification of Military Service shows that Charlie started with the United States Navy Reserve November 1953 and was Honorably Discharged November 1961.
Charlie married Charlotte Hirsch in 1956, with 5 daughters born to this union. Early on, many family vacations were spent camping in Yellowstone National Park with some serious fly fishing in the Three Forks and Harlowton areas.
Charlie married Sheri Basterrechea in 1978.
Charlie worked at the Miles City Police Department from 1958 to 1990, where he held every rank available, including patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant and assistant chief. He was also the official police photographer for twelve years. Charlie was named Police Chief in 1984, retiring in 1990 with 32 years with the MCPD. Working at the police department, Charlie always enjoyed practicing his marksmanship by participating in pistol shoots. During this time, not only did he win many trophies, but this is where he earned his nickname, “Buckshot.” After he retired, he continued to shoot at many Quigley and Buffalo shoots.
Charlie married Kathleen La Belle in 1989 until the present day. After they had both retired, they enjoyed their hobbies as venders at many gun shows, selling firearms and Kathleen selling handmade soap. They attended at least 21 shows a year all over Montana and North Dakota. The couple also enjoyed fishing at the cabin at Hell Creek in the summers.
Charlie is survived by his wife Kathleen of Billings, as well as 4 daughters: Sheila Hagemeister of Kinsey, Linda Stokes (Danny) of Miles City, Jo Ann Gresens (Ira), of Miles City, and Cindy Grieder (Curt), of Santa Ana, CA. Charlie has 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlie was proceeded in death by his parents, Mary and Robert Beauchot, of Miles City, his sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Jim Gietzen in Glendive, MT, daughter Kathy Casillas of Huntington Beach, CA. and son-in-law, James Hagemeister of Kinsey, MT.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 28, 2025
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 28, 2025
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Michelle Simpson says
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I always loved visiting with Charlie. What a great guy. What a beautiful sense of humor. My my sincere condolences for your I offer you strength courage for this devastating loss. I remember our many visits. I loved his sense of humor and what a beautiful, beautiful mind may he rest in peace.
Karen Barnes says
To all of Charlie’s family – so very sorry to hear this – always enjoyed him so much at the lake and whenever I would bump into him in Miles – he was such a great person and will be remembered by all who know him. GOD BLESS All
Ginger Huckins says
I have been blessed with the time I have known Charley. He was a dear friend. May angels bring you peace.
Rick Newby says
Buckshot ….. Rest in peace my friend
Tony Watters says
What a great man, RIP my friend, I always stopped by when visiting Miles City. You’ll be missed.. Sending prayers to family and friends
Destiny Carlson says
Rest in Peace Buckshot! You were a funny and caring man with a heart of gold. Prayers to all of his family.
Paul Hazelton says
Enjoyed the time I worked with Charlie. Ret. MHP 286 Paul Hazelton
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Donald jensen says
Rest in peace old friend
Sherry Uden says
I am so sorry for Charlie’s passing. I know what you must feel and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
mikeatkinson says
Lt Charlie, my shift commander, you were a great person to work with and for. You taught me a lot! Rest in peace Charlie, you deserve it.
Mike Atkinson
Dan currey says
I’ve worked for a lot of different people and you were the best. We shot, fished,and a pent time at the lake together. I won’t forget that last call. I will see you on the other side.
Colette Butcher says
Sheila,Joanne,Linda and families,
I am sorry to learn of your family’s loss. You are all in my thoughts. May he rest in peace. Your Dad was a very nice man.
Kim Smarsh says
Kathy, I am sorry to read of the loss of your beloved Charlie. You are in my deepest sympathies and prayers.
Terri Fandrich says
Kathy, I’m so very sorry about Charlie. He was such a nice man, with a wonderful sense of humor. Wrapping you and the family in prayers of strength.
Katie Ridenhower says
Kathy, Mike and Family,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of an amazing man, Charlie was always pleasant to visit with and was always so nice to see one in a while. To all the loving memories of a loving man.
Prayers,
Katie Ridenhower
Dick Thulesen says
Charlie gave me a free ride home no charge kept the keys after seeing me trying to get into my car 2 am in front of the TI .A true public servant RIP
Lissa Bartholomay Power says
Saddened to learn of Charlie’s passing. He hired me twice…once as a dispatcher and again as a police officer. Charlie brought out the best in others. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family.
Kevin Donnelly says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Always like visiting with Charlie he was a good man and will be missed by many.
May God be with him.
Kelli Rooney says
Charlie was a great man. I loved working for him back when I began my dispatching career. Fond memories and thoughts and prayers to his family.
Linda Wolff says
I am so sorry to hear of Charley’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him at the Police Dept. We were friends many years after. He will be missed.
Bud Butts says
You had a great run Birchy… A lot of fond memories of hunting & working together!! You were one of the best Chief’s on the MCPD.
Charlotte Grover says
So sorry to learn of Charlie’s passing. Wonderful memories from the days of him being on the police force. Rest in peace friend.