Chuck was born in Boise, Idaho on July 31, 1927, the son of Ruth and James O. Strong. He was the youngest son of 7 children born to Ruth and James O. – Ellen, James O. Jr. (Buzz), Raymond (Ty), Wayne (Teener), Grace and Donna – all having since passed away except for his sister Donna who resides in Forsyth.
Chuck, as a small boy, came with his family to Forsyth where he grew up and graduated from Forsyth High School in 1947. He discovered life was easier with a dime in his pocket at an early age and worked at the Roxy Theatre in the 6th grade and Howard Douglas’ Texaco in high school.
He served as a Medic in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 and was stationed during that time in Colorado Springs, Colorado and San Antonio, Texas. Upon being discharged with a hearing disability, Chuck chose Lewistown as his home.
He became an employee of the Montana State Highway Department at Lewistown in March of 1957 and worked there for 29 years, retiring in April 1986.
Having never married, Chuck kept active with memberships in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Shrine Al Bedos Temple, B.P.O. Elks, American Legion, Loyal Order of Moose and the Lewistown Elks Country Club which he and his best friend Bud Johnson frequented nearly daily for many happy years.
When his health began to fail and he could no longer enjoy his golfing activities, Chuck moved back to Forsyth to be closer to his sister Donna and eventually moved to Forsyth’s Rosebud Health Center until his death on June 18, 2013.
Breezy Leary-Grba says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Strong Family in this time of loss of Uncle Chuckie. I know they all have many fond memories of him, and to my friend Ruthie, sorry for your loss.
Velma
J Johnson says
Dear Family and Friends of Charles Strong – the loss of every human life is significant to me and should be valued by all. The Bible book of Hebrews reminds us that God does not forget all of the love and fine works shown by his servants (Heb 6:10). We are also promised that there will be a time in which pain that we now experience with this loss “will not be called to mind” (Isaiah 65:17) The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God intended for mankind will be fulfilled (Ps. 37:11) including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also up on Earth ” (Matt 6:9, 10). Meanwhile we have the opportunity to be further comforted by reading about additional Bible promises (John 17:3).
Anita & Wayne Wetherelt says
We are so sorry to hear of the passind of Chuck. His friendship was always a good thing. I worked with him a few years on the Hiway Dept. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts & prayers to the rest of his family & friends.
Virginia & Duane Strohmayer says
We are sorry to hear of Chucks Passing. We had many good time Working at the Highway and Bowling In highway Tournaments.
Bill Murphy says
To the family of Charles L. Strong
MASONIC SCROLL
July 31, 1927 – June 18,, 2013
85 years and 322 days
The Craft of Ashlar Lodge No. 29 of the Fraternity of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Montana have lost a Brother Master Mason. Brother Charles L. Strong having completed the designs laid down upon life’s trestle board has answered the last summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven and entered the Celestial Lodge above, over which the Supreme Architect of the Universe resides.
Brother Chuck was elected by his Brethren upon his own voluntary petition to become a member of the Fraternity of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Montana. Brother Chuck was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on February 14, 1964 in Ashlar Lodge No. 29 in Billings Montana. He was Passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft on March 13, 1964 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on April 10, 1964.
Brother Chuck continued his Masonic journey on all levels of Masonry through the Symbolic Lodge and in the Al Bedoo Shrine Temple in Billings.
He served Masonry for 49 years and 69 days.
His example of true Brotherhood will be missed by all who knew him!
He was a True and Faithful Brother Mason, so that when he stands before the Great White Throne it shall be his portion to hear from him who sitteth as Judge Supreme the welcome words “well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.”
OUR PATHS LEAD NOT TO THE GRAVE, BUT THROUGH IT.
FAREWELL DEAR BROTHER UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN BEYOND THE GRAVE