Charles Emery Beardslee Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mr. Charles Emery Beardslee, fondly remembered motoring around Butte in his British built, powder blue Ford Cortina, passed away Saturday evening at Big Sky Senior Living. He was born Saturday, February 1, 1919 on an island near Vancouver, Washington to Ralph A. and Maude (McLean) Beardslee and was raised on the Snow Line Ranch near Lima. He attended schools in Shelby and Lima and earned his degree in electrical engineering from Montana State University in Bozeman where he often rode his 1919 Harley-Davidson from Lima to Bozeman. In 1939 he and Helen Lael Tout were married in Butte. He began his career with the Montana Power Company but was soon recruited by the United State Government during World War II to train radio operators for the military. He was a pioneer in radio communications, and following the war returned to the Montana Power Company. He helped establish KBOW Radio station and continued to help out Ron Davis and his crew well into his 80’s. Charles served as a volunteer fireman for over 20 years, loved motorcycles and enjoyed restoring old radios. He is preceded in death by his son, Martin Beardslee who passed away August 29, 1972 and his brother, Howard Beardslee. Survivors include his wife, Lael Beardslee, sons, Russell Beardslee and Wayne Beardslee, all of Butte, grandchildren: Ashlee Beardslee, Eric and Cameron Beardslee, Brian Beardslee, Tony Beardslee and David Beardslee. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Maria and Domenic and great-great-grandchild, Donovan. Other survivors include his nephews, Arlee, Barry and Rob Beardslee and their families.

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Charles Emery Beardslee

February 1, 1919 - April 28, 2018