Charles Lawrence Dickinson

Charles Lawrence Dickinson made his way to the great recliner in the sky on January 14th, 2025. Although we will miss him, we are comforted knowing he is with Jesus and no longer in any pain.

Charles lived a full life. He was born in Russellville, Alabama, to Buren and Vera on February 15, 1948. As a toddler, he moved with his mother to Spokane, Washington. His mother married Melvin Peterson, and they moved to Troy, Montana. He spent most of his childhood there, during which his brother Carl and sister Kathy were born. He had countless stories about running track, playing football, and helping take care of the family’s farm. After graduating at the top of his class, he attended Montana State School of Mines in Butte, Montana. He had aspirations of becoming an astrophysicist.

Due to the Vietnam war, he ended up enlisting in the Army in 1968, where he served for 3 years. The time spent serving his country was instrumental in his great patriotism and love for his country.

Upon his return from service, he felt called to start a family. He met the love of his life, Vicki, in 1976, and they married in 1977. Charles had 4 children: Rob, Gabe, Lance, and Brianna. Charles loved being a dad and his children could always feel his love for them. His humor and wisdom were passed down in stories, lectures, and huckleberry-picking adventures.

Charles had a genuine love of learning. In 2003, he returned to college and earned his associate's degree in IT. Shortly after, he discovered he had heart failure due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. He spent the last 15 years of his life battling the symptoms. Through this, he never lost his heart, his character, nor his wit.

Charles always wanted to know more about his father Buren. One of the highlights of his life was being connected with the 10 siblings he didn’t know he had and learning about his father. 

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brothers Rob and Richard. He left behind his wife of 48 years, his 4 children, 19 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 8 brothers and sisters, and numerous loved ones. His memory will live on for generations to come.