1931 - 2011

Charles E. "Charlie" Epler, Sr., 80, lifetime St. Maries area resident and businessman, died Sept. 12, 2011, at his home after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Charlie was born July 13, 1931, to Lloyd and Bessie (Fredericks) Epler at Hardin, Mont. He grew up on Harrison Flats and graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1949. As a young man, he worked as a carpenter, and he married Lou Hamlin on Dec. 30, 1950, in Coeur d'Alene. The couple made their home in St. Maries where Charlie sold CASE farm equipment. In 1956, they opened Charlie's Saw Shop and began selling Homelite chainsaws. The business was destroyed by fire in 1962 and rebuilt on its present site. The business sold a full line of Yamaha products as well as chainsaws, lawn and garden equipment. His son Eddie purchased a half interest in the business in 1978 and worked the partnership until Charlie sold his interest to his son in 2000 and retired.

Charlie was a long-time member of the St. Maries Chamber of Commerce. He developed Xmas Hills Recreational Area and the Milltown softball fields, volunteering for many years as an umpire for the ballgames. Charlie also served on the Milltown Water and Sewer District Board. He was a life member of both the St. Maries Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge for more than 60 years. He served as an officer for the Eagles at Local, District, State, and Mountain Regional levels. He was a past Eagles State President, a past Worthy president of the St. Maries Aerie, and also served as Secretary for more than 30 years. He was a member of the NRA, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the St. Joe SnowRiders.

Charlie was honored by his placement on the St. Maries High School Wall of Fame in 2007 and by being chosen The Grand Marshall of Paul Bunyan Days in 2007. During his retirement, Charlie and Lou enjoyed traveling, especially to the casinos between Idaho and Texas. Charlie also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to snowmobile and to spend time with his family on his St. Joe River lot.

Charlie is survived by Lou, his wife of 60 years, at the family home. Also surviving are son and daughter-in-law Eddie and Suzy Epler; his daughters and sons-in-law, Ginger and Norm Linton and Scottie and Clay Julian, all of St. Maries. Also surviving are his sisters, Ann Day of Denver, Colo.; Betty Lewis of Tyler, Texas; and Connie Aker of Coeur d'Alene. He also is survived by seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Son Darrell Lee Epler; brothers Everette, Lester and Dewey Epler; and sister Vera Drew preceded him in death.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at the St. Maries Eagles Lodge with officers of the local Eagles Aerie officiating. A reception at the Lodge will follow the services.

Please visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com.

Charlie's family suggests memorials in his honor be made be made to Hospice of Benewah Co. 702 College Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861 or Hospice of North Idaho.