C. H. "Duke" Standley

Carroll H. “Duke” Standley passed away on January 30, 2020, in Great Falls from natural causes. He was born on September 24, 1939, to H. M. “Pat” and Serena Standley in Great Falls. He attended elementary school at Travis School on River Road Northeast of Cascade. He spent his childhood on the family farm south of Ulm. In 1969, he married Beverly Baehler. They first lived in Great Falls, and later moved to Ulm with their boys, Brett and Bart. In 1957, he joined the Montana Air National Guard encompassing a 37-year career, where he made many lifelong friends. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant as a Branch Chief of the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. After retirement, he continued operating Stabros Trucking full-time and helped out at the family farm operating equipment during seeding and harvest. His time on the farm included many enjoyable hours of operating equipment such as combines, tractors, caterpillars, and swathers. He belonged to the Treasure State Flywheelers, Teton Antique Steam Gas Association Tractor Club, and the Castner Falls Rifle Club. One of his greatest passions was collecting and restoring tractors, and operating tractors. He also was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to talk radio. He is survived by his son, Bart Standley; brothers, Boyd (Loretta) Standley and Michael (Jackie) Standley; sister, Jan Johnson; two granddaughters, Hailey and Madisyn Gregoire; sisters-in-law, Debbie (Ron) McLaughlin, Muggs (Jim) Westermeyer, and Caroline (Larry) Moss; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; son, Brett; father, H. M. Pat Standley; mother, Serena Standley; brother-in-law, Gene Johnson; sister-in-law, Sharon Haines; and nephew, Tom Standley. Duke was a wonderful person with a kind heart and a generous spirit. He loved his family, friends, sharing conversations, and storytelling. A celebration of life will be held on February 14, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ located at 2900 9th Avenue South. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Great Falls Rescue Mission or your organization of choice.