Charles Thompson

Charles Thompson, devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and soldier for Christ, passed away on May 3, 2023, at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, WY. Graveside Service at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Mt. Pisgah, and a fellowship to follow at Mt. Pisgah Reception Hall.

Charles was born August 12, 1939, in Ponca City, OK, to Charles Vernon and Flossie Thompson. He spent his days working the ranch with his family, tending crops, and working cattle. Charles enjoyed exploring the ranch and shared his love for his childhood adventures with his friends and family. Charles enlisted in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged for his service. Charles learned to fly; he enjoyed his time in the skies and passed that love for flight to his grandson Caleb.

Charles met Rosemary Taylor, also from Oklahoma, in Sheridan, WY; Charles told Rosemary that when he saw her, he thought, "She is going to be my wife, but that hat has to go." They spent their time together fishing and hiking in the Big Horn Mountains, fell in love, and married on November 26th, 1968, in Oklahoma City, OK. Charles and Rosemary lived in Utah and Colorado. In November 1972, Charles and Rosemary brought home their two-week-old adopted daughter Juliana. Two years later, Rosemary gave birth to Cherilyn. In 1977, Charles was transferred from Douglas, WY, to Gillette, WY, where the family resides today. Charles worked as a salesman, a construction laborer an equipment operator in the oil field. Finally, he retired from Eagle Butte Mine as an equipment operator.

Charles was the first certified fly caster instructor in Wyoming after being trained by Lefty Kreh, an American Fly Caster. Charles loved fly fishing, building fly rods, tying flies, and teaching others to develop the same love and skill for fly fishing. In addition, he worked as an advocate for maintaining Wyoming rivers and streams to prevent overfishing. Charles passed his passion for fishing to his daughters and grandchildren, Jordan and Jaired. In 2001, Charles became the Assistant Director of We Care Ministries. They traveled as a couple throughout the United States in their RV, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Charles and Rosemary loved being a part of We Care. They forged deep relationships with many people and touched hundreds of lives. After retiring from We Care due to Rosemary's health, Charles developed a passion for cooking and smoking meat. He was planning a pig roast this summer with his family.

Charles is survived by his daughters, Juliana and Jon Critel of Moorcroft, WY, and Cherilyn Thompson of Gillette, WY; his grandsons, Jordan Thompson and Caleb and Anna Culp of Torrington, WY and Jaired Culp of Gillette, WY. As well as his sisters, Darlene Reeves, Jody Ailey, and Judy Watkins of OK. He is pre-deceased by his wife, Rosemary, granddaughter Kirsten Rose, and sister Twila Powell. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in Charles's care of Gillette Memorial Chapel & Walker Funeral Home, 210 West 5th Street Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the website at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.