Thomas Charlton

June 8, 1926 - Oct. 20, 2025Thomas Earl Charlton, Sr. left this world Oct. 20, 2025 to be with Jesus and wife, Ruth.

Tom spent his early years in Paradise, Camas Prairie and Western Montana. Attending school in Paradise.

Tom enlisted in the Marines in June, 1943 and joined the 1st Marine Division on Puvuvu Island in the South Pacific in the Spring of 1944. He was a gunner on a 30 Cal machine gun and landed in Okinawa. After the island was secured his unit went to Tensin, China and assisted evacuating the Japanese Soldiers back to Japan. Tom was honorably discharges in March of 1946. Tom was always proud of his service to America.

Tom married Ruth M. Bebee May 9, 1947. He was proceed in death by his parents Earl and Wavy Charlton, six brothers and sisters, grandsons Patrick Miller and Austin Smith. They had 4 children, Thomas E. Charlton, Jr., of Plains, Jennie L. VanCampen (Earl) of Idaho, and Sally Miller of Plains. Daughter Debra Hoffard and husband John Hoffard(Hawkeye) proceeded him in death. Five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and seven great great grandsons.

Tom was a long time resident of Missoula, Mt being in the oil business, a sales manager for Sunshine Biscuit Company. In 1965 he along with Tom Larson of Missoula started the first State Security Service and Armored Car Business. Tom was also involved in opening the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in Missoula. In 1968 he started working for T and W Chevrolet and continued in the car business until retiring in 1987. After retiring they relocated to Plains where he grew up. Tom was blessed to be able to help many people with odd jobs and churches with building projects.

Family gravesides service will be planned in May.

The time sitting on his front porch with him will be greatly missed, but can you just imagine his front porch in Glory??? We can only imagine!