A live stream of the service can be viewed by this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/charlie-barbero-service-lzheapiuhpw1e07q8aeg
Charles J. Barbero, Sr. was born at the family ranch on Duncan Creek on September 15, 1926. He passed away in Broadus, Montana on December 1, 2022, at the age of 96. His daughter, Patti was by his side when he went quietly of old age.
His parents, John and Mary (Chiesa) Barbero were original homesteaders in that part of Carter county. Charlie was the third of four children born on the ranch with Angie (1922), Francis (1924), Charlie (1926) and Lela (1928) completing the family. While life was a lot simpler then it was not without its hardships. Charlie’s early years were spent on walking, horseback riding, buggies and horse drawn sleds.
Charlie had always talked about how hard it was to be raised on a farm/ranch that had no electricity, one well and an endless number of chores to do. In order to get to school on time (it took thirty minutes to walk one way, uphill) there were cows to milk, chickens to feed, eggs to gather. At the end of the school day it all had to be done again. This didn’t seem like such a bad deal except most of it took place in those hard winters Eastern Montana is known for. Getting around to the neighbors was a project of its own. Using buggies and horses to travel several miles, summer or winter, made visiting a special occasion.
It was during the summer of 1936, at the age of 10, that Charlie began working as a sheepherder for his uncle. Learning to work at such a young age had its benefits but there wasn’t a lot of time to have fun. It was during the early years of his life that he learned the value of hard work, the importance of keeping one’s word and how important it was to make friends.
The years that he spent in high school were important to his development. He made many life-long friends during these formative years. By the time he was a senior in high school he owned his own car which made him quite popular. He was known to take car loads of girls to various dances and parties, including his sister Francis. The two of them could win about any dance contest they entered.
During Charlie’s senior year (1944) he began working for the neighbor, lambing out 1600 head of sheep in the afternoon and evening. After he graduated, he signed up for the military. The war was in the late stages but still needed soldiers as the push was on to defeat Japan. He ended up in Texas for basic training and not being 18 yet was sent to another base in Texas for Ranger Training and Paratrooper Training. Once he turned 18 he got on a troop ship with 5700 other guys and they headed for the Northern Philippines. For the next few months the soldiers cleared the island of enemy tunnels, munitions and equipment. This was all done while preparing to invade Japan in the coming months. The war came to an end with the second atomic bomb so Charlie and the rest of the soldiers became the occupying force assigned to Japan. He was ordered to start a motor pool for the division he was in and this is what he did for the rest of his military assignment.
After Charlie was discharged from the military in 1946 he made his home on some land he bought east of Boyes. In the fall of 1947 Charlie married his high school girlfriend (Carole Irion) and they worked together to make a home for themselves. Carole taught school at Boyes and Charlie worked for Price Propane, delivering, selling and doing service work on appliances throughout Powder River and Carter Counties. The following six years were full of adventures. Charlie worked for the highway department both full-time and part-time making for some interesting stories of how people can get themselves into trouble on remote highways. The couple moved to Coalwood to run the store and post office in 1954 for one of the grandparents. In 1956 he became the owner of his own farm/ranch.
Charlie and Carole started a family in 1950. Oldest son Joe was born, followed by John
three years later and Patti a year after that. All three children attended Duncan Creek Elementary. When Joe started high school things changed a lot. Carole and the kids moved to town during the school year so Charlie had to make due on the ranch by himself. He had hinted a time or two that maybe the peace and quiet weren’t so bad. He also learned to cook for himself and to this day had a fondness for sandwiches and cookies. In 1972 Charlie took over the mail route from Broadus to Alzada and it stayed in the family until 2021.
Charlie was very involved with the VFW of Broadus. Many of the WWII veterans had returned home and there was a need to create a place to honor all those who didn’t come back from the war. The list of those veterans is very long with only a few of them still alive and Charlie was one of the last of that generation. He held just about every position in the local VFW and was the post commander for many years. He was also joined in this adventure by Carole, who in her own right, rose to be State President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. The couple traveled all over the United States, attending many National Conferences.
Charlie had been living at his home on the ranch. His daughter, Patti, became his caregiver and was there for him until he passed away.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary, his wife, Carole, sisters Angie Bogner and Francis Hill. He is survived by his sister Lela Bone, sons Joe/Susie and John/Diana and daughter Patti/Art Brix. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Carlo/Kylee, Vincent, Dori/Casey, Jona/Wade, Dave/Hayle, Carol and Craig/Molly. Great grandchildren: Marianna, Adria, Cori, Codi/RJ, Knox, Charli, Lainee, Jess, Graci, Quinn, Mallory, Jerry/Dakota, Colter, and Reese. Great-great grandchild: Charles. Special recognition to the Duane Richards family whom Charlie adopted as his own. There are many nieces and nephews and extended family to numerous to mention. Please forgive us if we didn’t mention everyone.
Visitation will be held on December 9, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Broadus, MT. A funeral service will be held on December 10, 2022 at Faith Bible Church, Broadus, Montana, at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow at the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus, MT. A luncheon will follow at Faith Bible Church. If you wish to honor Charlie with a donation please consider the VFW in Broadus, as per his wishes. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 9, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 Wilson St.
Broadus , Montana 59317
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Faith Bible Church
102 E Morris St.
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment
To follow immediately after the Funeral Service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 9, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 Wilson St.
Broadus , Montana 59317
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Faith Bible Church
102 E Morris St.
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment
To follow immediately after the Funeral Service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Roberta Morgan Rickman says
To all of Charlie’s family,
I am so sorry to hear this. Charlie was such a great guy. He always had a hug for me when we ran into each other. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
Another legend gone, but not forgotten!. Hugs and prayers to Charlie’s family.
Janet Rice says
So sorry. My condolences to Charlies family. He always had a smile and loved to visit with you. Another pillar of the community gone. Prayers to you all.
Lisa and Roger Gaskill says
Thinking of all of Charlie’s family. A great man that will be missed.
SALLY ANN BORLA says
SURE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT OUR LONG TIME NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND CHARLIE–ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND WAS JUST A KIND MAN-SO GLAD I HAD A NICE LONG VISIT VISIT WITH HIM AT THE BOYES CLUB HALL AFTER SAM’S FUNERAL. LOVE AND GOD BLESS TO ALL THE FAMILY.
Walter and ArLynn Archer says
To all the Barbero family, thoughts and prayers. Charlie was a Special Man.
Clark Fletcher says
Always enjoyed seeing and visiting with Charlie. When I was young and in high school and playing for dances at the VFW, he would come open up the hall for us and was always so happy and complimentary. The community will miss him no doubt!
Carol Schneidt says
Barbero family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Pat Herzog says
John, Di and family..so sorry to hear about Charlie.. he was such a great person..I enjoyed my times around him ❤️ heaven gained a special Angel 😇 and he’s now reunited with your mom.. our deepest sympathy to all of you.. we’ll be holding all of you in our prayers 🙏 ❤️ Love Pat and Monte Herzog
Dave and Cindy Carter Burris says
Barbero families-our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Jack Fleming says
A pillar of the community. RIP Charlie
Kevin & Carol Malley says
Great man. Thoughts and prayers to Joe, Patty, and Johnny. Great neighbor back in the day. I will miss him dearly.
Linda Clements Hall says
Our thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Charlie and Dad were special friends. Mom and Dad always enjoyed spending time with Charlie and Carol.
Verna Brewer says
So sorry about Charlie! He was a fantastic guy!
Ernie and Esther Nelson says
We send our sympathy, prayers to another super friend that was a great Belle Creek friend , was so good to have some one greet you and be a friend to
You ! May God Bless and comfort his family in their losing him ! Our love to all
Robbin Stoddard says
Heartfelt condolences to all the Barbero family. Praying for your comfort.
Truston Gilger says
Charlie was always good to talk to. I offer my humble condolences to the Barbero family
Max and Vickie Miller says
We’re so sorry to see this! Charlie was always such a friendly guy and fun to visit with! Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family!
Jane & Les Thompson says
Love and prayers for all of Charlie’s family. Rest in peace dear soul you have earned it!
Larry and Blondie Woolston says
Thoughts and prayers to your Family. He will always be remembered,always a smile.He made you feel special.
Dave and Janie Calvert says
So sorry our prayers are with Charlie’s family and friends
Darlene Flanagan Songer says
So sorry to hear this. Hugs and prayers for comfort and peace to Charlie’s family.
Charita and Kevin Brunner says
Oh Charlie what a rock you were for our family when we moved to Boyes and for all the years we lived there! We could always count on you. I know you will be missed terribly by so many and by me as well. Praying for the whole family as you deal with your loss. Wish I could get just one more “Charlie hug”. ❤️😢
Jack boughton says
One trip out to see my niece Wendy she took me over to Charlie and we talked a couple of hours about different thinks and sbout. The service. He told me about being involved in the V.F.W. and I told him I was also. So we talked about what they did out there and I talked about what we did back here. He was a very pleasant person to talk to and I’m sure he will be missed. My condolence to his family.
Colleen A Barrett says
So sorry for your loss, Colleen Barrett, Tom Barretts wife and Ellamae and Walter Ferguson;s daughter in law,
Linda Macy says
Sorry for the loss of your Dad, John & family. Bill & Linda Macy
Norm and Julie Samuelson says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 🙏🙏
Dave and Pam says
Dear friends, we are here for you!!! We have many cherished memories of sweet time with Carole and Charlie! Our love and prayers for all of you!
Doug Engebreson says
When Alzada could no longer field a boy’s baseball team, I played for Boyes a few years – Charlie Barbero, coach/manager. There are a lot of high school, college and professional coach/managers that should have taken lessons from Charlie about how to conduct themselves in that position.
Lance and Darlene Clark says
Barbers Families,
Thoughts, prayers and c!
May your treasured memories and peace sustain you at this time of loss.
Lance Clark, Olympia, WA
Darlene Clark, Miles City, MT
Jennifer Larson says
Losing a parent is never easy, sorry for your loss.
June says
Charlie would come into the library and visit about anything or anyone.
He always thought the best in people and situations that we could learn
from. What a good, spirited man. May that spirit stay with His family. God Bless
Sharyn Wallace says
The admiration I have for this family is beyond measure. Both Charlie amd Carole not only instilled worthiness in his family, they gave there all + to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They were true partners giving their all to all of us and always did it with a smile. Charlie, you can rest now and maybe have Carole slow down with you. Dance Charlie amd Carole, You paved the way. You deserve it.
Dee Dee Stabio Heinert says
Joe, Jon, Patti & families
The Boyes community has lost a good man! Your family has a special place in my heart ❤️ You definitely were a second family to me. Charlie will be missed! Thoughts & prayers coming your way.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Barbero family.
Julie & Kurt Collins says
Our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family. He was an icon and pillar of our community. I can still picture him in the 4th of July parade as grand marshal a couple of years ago. He was such a sweet man. He will be remembered fondly by many people.
Ron Bidwell says
I will always remember Charlie with a smile on his face and a friendly conversation.
Karen says
Prayers for all ofThe family you have many memories of your dad grandpa
JeriLyn Russell Eden says
Always enjoyed his gentle demeanor and bright smile. Carole brings me many fond memories also. What a blessing he was to our community for so long. Love and comfort to your family.
Wayne Jr. & Serena Wetherelt says
Condolences to the Barbero family.
So many fond memories of Charlie and Carole in our lives. A good man and will be missed by the community and family. Prayers for all of you.
Curt and Miriam Riesland says
What a sweet man! He will be missed in our community. Love and prayers to each family member.
MJ Janssen says
Our Condolences to your whole family. What a great man that we have known all our lives and our connection that goes back years. THe brief snatches of memories from when you lived at Coalwood throughout our years in 4-H, highschool and beyond. Charlie was a pillar of the community always greeting us with a smile and usually a story. He will be missed
Lew Janssen Family