The Ekalaka Eagle - Your Community Builder

A funeral service for Charlie Davis was held June 19, 2017 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Pastor Tom Herzog officiating; interment followed at 3:30 p.m. at Capital Cemetery in Capital, MT. A visitation took place two hours prior to service at Gillette Memorial Chapel.

Charles Oliver Davis was born April 2, 1938, in Buffalo, SD, to James and Charlotte (Grey) Davis. Charles grew up on the Davis family ranch south of Camp Crook, SD, and attended the Dryfield Grade School in Harding County, SD. He attended high school in Belle Fourche, SD, as a member of the Class of 1956.

Following high school, Charles worked at the Sugar Beet Factory in Belle Fourche and at Western Cattle Company in Buffalo. Charles also joined the South Dakota National Guard. This was where he learned his skill as a welder as he was the honor graduate of his military welding school and helped build roads and bridges at Bear Butte, SD. Charles also used his skill as an expert marksman to compete in the national rifle competition at Camp Perry, OH.

Charles married his distant neighbor girl, Nellie Berry, from the Sheep Mountain area of Carter County on December 12, 1965. They lived and worked on the Berry Family ranch for several years and started their family with the birth of their two daughters.

In 1978 they moved to their own ranch several miles away near Belltower Rock and Boxelder Creek. The children went by bus to school at Ekalaka, MT, and Charles worked summers for construction and eventually became the maintenance man at Ekalaka schools. Bad economic times caused them to sell out in 1988 and move to Gillette, WY. Charles' excellent welding skills led to him finding work with Wilson Welding. He remained there for 25 years. Charles and Nellie bought their own home and have lived in Gillette for over 28 years.

Charles had always loved airplanes and flying and found his new love of radio controlled airplanes. He loved to go out to the flying field, to attend fly-ins around the area, and to spend time with his flying buddies. Charles was very proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed the opportunity to watch their sporting activities or hear all the latest accomplishments.

Survivors include his wife Nellie; his sister Darlene (Hughie) Rose of Ekalaka, MT; daughters Carla (Tom) Herzog of Broadus, MT, and Nadine (Brian) Elmore of Ekalaka, MT; grandchildren Tim and Luke Herzog, J.W., Jenna, and Jolyn Elmore, and Steven Salyers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family request that memorials be made in Charlie's name to Sage Hoppers Flying Club. Memorials and condolences may also be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at http://www.gillettememorailchapel.com