Charles Leonard Reeves, 63

Chuck “went to be with his Savior” on Nov. 16, 2011.

Chuck L. Reeves was born on Dec. 23, 1947, in Whitefish, to Leonard and Faye (Warner) Reeves. Chuck attended Columbia Falls High School.

In 1964, Chuck chose to leave the area he loved so much and enlisted in the U.S. Army (with the help of his father who had to sign due to Chuck's young age). After serving his country for three years Chuck returned to Montana.  Shortly after, Search and Rescue was organized, and he became a member and remained a loyal supporter.

Chuck chose working in areas that brought enjoyment to his life, leading him to the logging industry and many friends all over the state.

“Don't worry, for the folks down Lewistown-Winnett way — There may be a night you will still hear his voice over the CB, warning you of the Smokey at the bottom of the hill.”

In 1988 Chuck met his “angel,” Gayle Barnhart. As his love for his “angel” grew, so did his faith, and on Nov. 25, 1994, they were united in holy matrimony at the Columbia Falls Assembly of God Church.

Chuck was a quick-tempered, stubborn fella’ and you may have found yourself losing many arguments, but those qualities, the love he had for the Lord, and his faith also have had some form of a lesson for those with whom he shared his time. His perseverance in wanting to bring others to Christ led to many changed lives.

Chuck’s seven grandchildren were the sparkle in his eyes, the laughter in his heart and the light of his life. “Grandpa-Papa” Chuck's passion for horses, hunting and fishing ran through the family and there was rarely a time you wouldn't see “Grandpa-Papa” Chuck and at least one of the grandkids out with the horses in his truck headed to the backwoods for some fishing, their faces and fingers purple from huckleberry picking, or just driving around. The only time none of the granddaughters complained about not being able to go with grandpa was when he would take the boys to Randy the Barber for haircuts!

Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Reeves.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Gayle Barnhart Reeves; his mother, Faye Warner Reeves; sisters, Carol Ost, Debra Reeves and Lenny Eaton, of Columbia Falls; and daughter, Angela Hopkins, and son and daughter-in-law Chuck and Leslie Reeves, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Breann and Joshua Moon, Skilur Dilley, Conar Dilley and Riley Reeves of Kalispell, and Dezahrae Dilley, Kiara Reeves and Dakota Reeves of Columbia Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from noon until 1 p.m. until time of services on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at Journey Church, 54 Western Village Lane, off of U.S. 2 in Columbia Falls. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Journey Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary. You are invited to go to www.columbiamortuary.com to offer condolences and view Chuck's tribute wall.