Charles Sweeney

Charles E. Sweeney was born near Hardin, MT to Arthur C. and Minnie Bennett Sweeney on Dec 28, 1917. He grew up on Tulloch Creek where his parents homesteaded. As a child Charles and his sister Marjorie rode a horse to a log cabin schoolhouse built by his father. He graduated from Hardin High School in 1935 as Salutatorian and president of his class. He then attended the University of Montana where he served as the president of Theta Chi Fraternity, president of the class of 1940, and in ROTC became a Cadet Major and Commander of a Battalion. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Charles worked for the Texas Oil Company in Butte, MT until December 7, 1941 when he was called to active duty as a Reserve Officer in Fort Lewis, WA. He married the love of his life, Naomi Cool, in Tacoma, WA on Feb. 26, 1942 before transferring to the Army Air Corps. He completed training as a B17 Bomber pilot and was assigned to the 96th Bomb Group that was sent to England. His B17 was shot down over the North Sea on June 13, 1943. After approximately three hours he was rescued by a German Patrol boat and became a prisoner of war. Charles spent two years in German prison camps in Stalag Luft III and VII. After the war, he returned home to his wife Naomi and two year old son Patrick in Hardin, MT. They made a life for seven years on a farm raising Angus cattle and teaching On Farm Training for Veterans. They had two more children, Nancy and Kevin. Charles then joined the Big Horn County State Bank as Cashier and Director where he retired in 1980 as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Charles served as President of the Independent Bankers Association of Montana and on numerous boards throughout his life. He donated much of his time and energy to the Big Horn County Historical Museum. One of Charles' greatest joys was spending time at the family cabin in the Big Horn Mountains with family and friends. Charles is survived by his loving wife, Naomi (94), sons Patrick (Lottie), Kevin (Marnie), daughter Nancy, and their families including eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister Marjorie, and son-in-law Gary Keyes. Service: A memorial for Charles is being held at Dahl Funeral Home in Billings on Wednesday,June 13, the anniversary of the day he was shot down into the North Sea, at 1:30 PM. Please send memorials to the Big Horn County Historical Museum, Mayflower Church, or a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at a later date.