Charles “Chuck” Joe Wilson passed from this life on March 26, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Charles was the eldest of two children born to Thelma and Robert Wilson and he entered this world on August 26th, 1935, in New Deal, MT where his father worked on the Fort Peck Dam project. His early life was spent in and around Eastern Montana, primarily in Jordan, MT where he attended school until graduation. After high school, he dutifully attended college for a few months until the lure of the skies became too great. In 1954, he was accepted into the cadet program of the U.S. Air Force and realized his passion for flying airplanes. He graduated cadet training commissioned as Second Lieutenant and began his twenty-one year long career as a pilot in the Air Force.
After ten years of service, Charles met the love of his life, Sandra Heasley, and they later married. Of this union, their three children, Michael, Kimberly and Jennifer, were born. His career took him around the world and all over the United States, including being stationed in Okinawa, Japan; Germany; as well as Virginia and Florida. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and retired as a Major in August, 1977.
When his flying days were over, he and his wife moved their family to the ranch at Jordan, MT. With his feet firmly planted in Garfield County, raising performance Quarter Horses became his new passion. As well as being a dedicated rancher who raised sheep and cattle, he was active in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and served on several boards throughout the years.
Charles is survived by Sandra (Heasley) Wilson, his wife of 58 years, and his children Michael Wilson, Kimberly Cohn (Tom Cohn) & Jennifer Crawford (Skip Olson). He is also survived by his grandchildren Tommy Cohn (Meghan), Paige Cohn, Kaden Cohn, Braxton Wilson and Brock Wilson, as well as four great grandchildren Isaac Cohn, Blaine Cohn, Eli Cohn and Bayleigh House. Charles is also survived by his sister Linda (Mike) Rogers and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Robert Wilson, and his grandson Christian Blaine Cohn.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at The Wilson Family Ranch in Jordan, MT. Following the celebration of life, a potluck will be held at the ranch.
Karen Barnes says
My condolences to all of Charlie’s family at this sorrowful time. I knew him from the time he was a boy and he was always such a good, caring person – I considered him a friend. I always enjoyed visiting with him whenever we met – be it at the Post Office, the store, a class reunion or whatever – he will be remembered. May all your good memories be a comfort to you. God Bless all.
Mitzi Beecher says
So sorry for your loss prayers to the whole family.
Melodie Milroy says
Oh you guys. I’m so sorry to hear about Chuck. But I’m so honored to have known him . What a wonderful man. I’ll pray for yout healing but so thankful you have all those years of memories to carry with you. Love you so much. Melodie
Hajrriet Sleaford Jansen says
My love and prayer go out to all of the Wilson Families. Was glad to have him as a cousin. Loved his Mom also. Harriet (Sleaford) & Veryl Jansen.
Bev Harbaugh says
We are so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was such a kindhearted neighbor. Hugs and prayers to all his family.
Terri Jessen says
So sorry to hear this news. What a nice man he was. Thinking of all his family .
Duane & Terri Jessen
Carol Williams says
So sorry to hear this. Charles was such a nice man. Hugs for Sandy and the rest of his family.
John & Jenny Frady says
sorry to hear of your lost ,may you and your family be confort with heal hand of lord. may his soul rest in peace
Sandra Barclay says
So sorry to hear of your great loss. Holding you all in thought and prayer.
RUTH AND BILL GASS says
sorry to her of Charlie’s passing he was a grade a head of me in school but several times we would be in the room as we had two classes together he was always so quite and polite
Daniel and Audrey Guesanburu says
Sandy and Famiky,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So very sorry for your loss.
Daniel & Audrey
Mary Ann Murray says
Sending my condolences to all of Charles’s family. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be missed. Memories are what get us through the hard times and make us smile. Hugs to all of you.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Sending Condolences and Prayers for all of Charlies Family . He was such a kind ,caring person. He will be missed by all who knew him . May you find comfort in all of your memories and Gods Love .God Bless all of you.
Jim and Connie Blonigen says
Jim and I were both saddened to hear of Charles’ passing. He was a nice man and will be missed. Our condolences to Sandy, Mike, Jennifer and Kim and your families. We are keeping you all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Cindy Stanton says
I’m so truly saddened to read of Charles’ passing. I admired him greatly for his quiet, gentle and humble manner. He made everyone feel important. Sandra, Kim, Mike and Jen, you are all in my thoughts. I pray for your comfort and peace at this sad, difficult time.
May you memories help get you through.
Stabler Hazel says
So sorry to hear of Charlie’ s passing.
He was a very nice person. I was just looking at my old Remuda book and noted that he and I shared the honor of being chosen for “Best Personality” in 1951.
Hazel Clauson Stabler
Steven and Lavonne MacDonald says
So sorry for your loss . May God bless and comfort you with all the love and memories. You were truly blessed with a good one . Hugs and prayers, Steven and Lavonne
John Carter says
Sandy and Family, sorry to hear of Check’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Those mornings of sitting at the table having coffee and conversations in your kitchen were always the one of the highlights of the trips to Jordan. Chuck will be missed. John
Louise de Montigny says
Sending condolences to all of Charles’ family at this time. Charles was such a kind man with many interests, talents and adventures. I’m sending happy memories and kind regards for you all.
Alane Stabler says
Sandy and family
I am so sorry to hear about Charles passing
The picture is just how I remember him. That smile!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to you!!