Missoula – Bobby Boyd Charlton, age 83, passed away November 11, 2015 at the Village Care Center. He was born September 21, 1932 in Camas, Montana to Wavie (Nanny), and James Earl Charlton (Gampy). Bob was raised and attended schools in and around the Missoula and Plains, Montana areas. He was just a “good ole Montana boy.” Bob loved the Big Sky country and had a great passion for what it offered such as fishing, hunting and camping especially in the Bitterroot Valley. Bob was a “natural” carpenter. Give him wood, saw and nails and he would create beautiful projects such as bookcases, shelves, plant stands, even cradles for grandchildren, just to name a few.
Bob honorably served his country from 1951-1954 in the US Navy. He married Virginia Lee Pickens in 1956 and they had four children. They were later divorced. Throughout his life he was employed in a variety of positions. Bob worked many years for Gambles stores in several states, as well as selling ads for radio stations, and driving truck for a couple of bread companies. He was a very hard worker with any type of job he took on.
Bob married Shirley Marshall in 1967. They had been happily married for 48 years. He and his sweet wife loved the outdoors. Together they looked forward to their many fishing, hunting, and camping trips. After retirement in 1997, Bob and Shirley spent six winters serving as camp hosts in Arizona. They treasured the memories and friends which were made there. Bob and Shirley were devoted to one another and inseparable. They are finally reunited and together once again since Shirley’s passing just 10 months ago on February 10, 2015.
Bob is survived by his brother Tom Charlton (Ruth) of Plains, Lolly Schneiter of Missoula; children Juanita (David) Giles of Utah, Bobby (Tami) of Idaho, Robin Fry of St Ignatius, Sheri (Brian) Nordstrom of Washington; stepchildren Gary (Shelley) Fisher of Havre, Joann (Larry) Pyle of Havre, Doug (Karla) Fisher of Havre, Julie Czapranski and David Steiger of Missoula. Bob is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life Shirley, parents Wavie and Earl Charlton, brothers Jack Charlton and James Charlton, sisters Helen Santa Cruz, and Dolly Baumgardner, grandson Zachary Czapranski and son-in-law, Tom Fry.
The family would like to extend a most grateful thank you to those who cared for our father at the Village Care Center, as well as Dennis and Gwen Schneiter for their many years of selfless help, love, and support.
A memorial service will take place in the spring of 2016 to celebrate Bobby’s life. Until we meet again… we love you! Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.