Charles Dean Mankin

Funeral services for Charles Mankin will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 16, 2013 at First Presbyterian church with Kenna Lou Rose and Pastor George Moore officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, February 15, 2013 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Private family interment at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery will be held at a later date.Charles D. Mankin life-time resident of Campbell County passed away on February 12, 2013 after a brief illness.Charles was born on August 23, 1925 to Charles A. and Mildred Mankin at the 4-J Ranch 17 miles SW of Gillette, Wyoming. He attended New Hope and Bundy rural schools in Campbell County and graduated from Campbell County High School in 1943. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in June 1944 attaining the rank of Sergeant and was an "Expert Rifleman". He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1946 and served three years in the reserves. Charles married Christie Raitt and to this union two daughters were born. The couple later divorced. Charles graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of Agriculture. Upon graduation, he taught the Veteran-on-the-Farm Agricultural program for several years and in the mid-1950s sold life, health, causality, and hail insurance. Charles also established a yard and tree spraying business in the late 1950s which he sold in early 1980. In 1963 he went to work for the Campbell County School District as an Activity Bus Driver working his way up to Transportation Supervisor when he retired in 1987. The American Legion played an important role in Charles' life. He was active in the` Legion for over 65 years serving as District 5 Commander, Vice Commander, and Adjutant. He was a member of the Post 42 Drill Team for over 50 years and a member of the Post Everlasting Drill Team for 15 years. Charles became a Master Mason and member of Gillette Lodge No. 28 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons over 63 years ago. He was also a member of the Royal Arch Masons, Gillette Chapter No. 17 and a member of Kalif Shriners of Sheridan for over 50 years. He was also a life-time member of the Eagles and a member of the Moose.Charles is survived by his wife of 39 years, Donna (Boesiger) Mankin of Gillette, Wyoming; daughters: Hilda Stricker and Nancy (Bobby G.) Smith both of Henderson, Nevada; step-grandson, Kelly (Harmony) Smith of Phoenix, Arizona and their 3 children: Nicholas, Noah and Ashley; grandson, Bradley (Sara) Smith of Sandpoint, Idaho and their daughter, Sage; sister, Alice Lee (Bud) Christensen and sister-in-law, Ruth Mankin all of Gillette, Wyoming. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Drill Team and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Charles's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716