Charles Lyons, 88

Charles E. “Charley” Lyons, husband, father, grandfather, rancher, rodeo clown, millwright, neighbor and friend, passed away peacefully on Sept. 30, 2026, at the age of 88. 

Charley was born Feb. 9, 1938, in Milliken, Colo., to Ed and Vera Lyons. He grew up in Arvada, where 4-H and FFA sparked his lifelong love of livestock, horses and rodeo.

After high school, Charley began clowning at amateur rodeos, eventually launching a 25-year professional career as a rodeo clown and bullfighter. When he wasn’t clowning, Charley was competing himself, riding broncs and bulls and taking on steer wrestling at rodeos across the country. 

After years of traveling, Charley and Carol fell in love with Montana. They purchased 80 acres in St. Ignatius and named it the TUB Ranch. Charley and Carol lived at TUB Ranch for 60 years and raised their three children there.

Charley is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, C.J. and MiAe, Anna and Jim, and Katie and Ray; his grandkids, Amanda and Greg, Clay, MiAn and Anthony, Jay and Alesha, and Carl; great-grandkids Fisher and Charlie; and friends, neighbors, fellow cowboys and members of the rodeo family who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local 4-H club or the Tough Enough to Wear Pink foundation, in honor of Charley’s lifelong commitment to rodeo, youth, 4-H, and his ability to pull off pink. 

Services for Charley will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Lutheran Church in St. Ignatius at 11 a.m.; a Celebration of Life follows at Ninepipes Lodge at 1 p.m. All are welcome to either or both.

Arrangements are under the Lake Funeral Home. To leave a message of condolence please visit lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.