Charles Edgar Lyons

Charles E. “Charley” Lyons, husband, father, grandfather, rancher, rodeo clown, millwright, neighbor, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026 at the age of 88. Charley was born February 9, 1938, in Milliken, Colorado, 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, raised their three children.

Charley is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, C.J. & MiAe, Anna & Jim, and Katie & Ray; his grandkids Amanda & Greg, Clay, MiAn & Anthony, Jay & Alesha, and Carl; and 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 October 8, 2026 at the Lutheran Church in St. Ignatius at 11:00am and a Celebration of Life at Ninepipes Lodge at 1:00pm. All are welcome to either or both.

Arrangements are under The Lake Funeral Home.