Charles E. Gamble
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing from this life of our beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.
Charlie was born to Edward and Ella May (Viglini) Gamble in Indianola, Iowa, on Nov. 8, 1923. His father died when Charlie was just 8 years old. He continued to live in Indianola with his mother until, at age 15, they moved to California to be near family.
Charlie graduated from Venice High School in 1941. Soon after his 18th birthday and the announcement of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy and was immediately sent to San Diego. His tour of duty was in the Pacific and took him from Australia to the Aleutian Islands aboard the USS Kenneth Whiting, USS Meade and the USS Minneapolis. Charlie served "five years, 10 months and two days," and was honorably discharged on Oct. 17, 1947. Throughout his life, he had great respect for the military service and for those who served.
Charlie and Mary Bowen of Utah were married June 24, 1944, in San Diego. After his discharge from the Navy, he was employed by Procter & Gamble. They later moved to Pocatello, Idaho, and a better position with the company. Their daughters, Linda and Sharon, were born in Pocatello. The family moved to Billings in 1962, where Charlie accepted the position of General Manager with Associated Foods. Soon after retiring from the grocery business in 1970, he joined Darrell Kreitzberg at ICR Realty, Inc. He bought the business in 1974.
Charlie's wife, Mary, passed away Feb. 23, 1974. He continued with his real estate company, selling commercial properties and developing residential subdivisions. Some of those were: Gamble Sub., Voita, Sub., Acheson Sub. and the Oaks subdivision. Charlie was a founding member of American Title Co. and the Quikway stores.
Charlie and Darlene Frey of Billings were married Sept. 26, 1993. Together, they were responsible for the sale and development of the nine acres of Rocky Mountain College land at 17th Street West and Poly Drive, which became Remington Sq., Bonnevue Sq. & Rocky Meadows Apts. Charlie was also instrumental in the development of the remaining college property into professional buildings. The last residential development with which he and Darlene were involved was the sale of land and townhomes of Stillwater Place. Charlie was a man who could look at a piece of vacant land and visualize its future. One of those ideas was the land which became the lovely LaQuinta Hotel, built and owned by dear friends. At the time of his death, he was working on the development of land at 54th and Grand Avenue - another vision of Billings' movement west. He was a man of dedication to any project in which he became involved. This community has lost a man of vision and a born leader who added much to the growth of Billings - a man of strength, fortitude and unfailing devotion to his family and work.
Charlie's pleasures were in his work, his family, family reunions, travel, boating (especially in the San Juan Islands and San Diego area), golf (proud of his hole-in-one, 1989), a good bridge game, football, "Chang," the family cat and looking forward to his next project.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church, past president of United Way, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and a longtime member of Yellowstone Country Club.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary; his sisters, Mildred, Lillian and Ruth; his brothers, Raymond, Walter and Eddie.
He is survived by his loving wife and partner, Darlene; daughter, Linda Everhard, Carson City, Nev.; daughter Sharon Higgs, Stockton, Calif.; stepsons, Nolan Frey, Billings, and Kevin Frey, Bozeman; granddaughter, Melissa Brigham and her husband Josh and their children Emma, Jacob and soon-to-be-born baby boy; grandson, Thomas Higgs, San Francisco; granddaughter Tawnia Everhard, Helena; and sister, Catherine Lidell, Las Vegas.
We will miss his presence in our life more than words can express. May he rest in Eternal Peace.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Edward Malters and his staff of Yellowstone Medical Center and to St. Vincent Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, we would be honored by a donation in his name to St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, 1106 N. 30th, Billings, MT 59101; First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N. Billings, MT 59101; ZooMontana, 2100 S. Shiloh Road, Billings, MT 59106; or any animal shelter of your choice.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Remembrances
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