Charles Ray Tonge

Charles Ray Tonge passed peacefully at his Heber Valley home on October 25, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children.

Charlie, or “Chick” to his closest friends, was born on April 13, 1930, in Salt Lake City to Joseph Mahonri and Jean Clements Tonge. Charlie’s legacy will be cherished by his loving wife of sixty-eight years, Dianne Durrant Tonge, four daughters which he called, “Charlie’s Angels” – Julie Humphrey (Dane), Sandy Dearden (Daniel), Christy Bartlett (David), and Marcie Maughan (Jason), eleven grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brothers Clyde and Earl, sisters Donna and Louise, and son-in-law Dane Humphrey (Julie). He is survived by sisters Dorothy and Leah, his wife Dianne, their daughters and families.

Papa was above all a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time and helping each member of the family with projects, woodworking, camping, fishing, hunting, poetry, and traveling. His devotion was steady and unwavering. He was a dedicated provider, and always demanded that he gave more than he received.

Charlie and Dianne Tonge were two of the first missionaries to serve in the new Nauvoo Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2002. They also served in the Timpanogos and Provo Temples, for a combined fifteen years of service. Charlie served in multiple bishoprics, high councils, and various other capacities. He loved serving the Lord, neighbors and friends, and his community.

Charlie was born at the beginning of the Great Depression and grew up knowing severe economic hardship on the west side of Salt Lake City. He secured his first job at ten years of age selling Salt Lake Telegram newspapers on First South and Main Street. From that early age he would never be unemployed until retirement. His instinct for survival led him to a variety of jobs as a custodian, raising rabbits for area restaurants, helping his father deliver ice to Salt Lake Valley homes, and as a mechanic.

In February of 1948, Charlie joined the U.S. Navy. As he considered joining the service for several days, he felt doing so would be the answer to all his problems associated with the difficult times. He reported to Basic Training in San Diego. After Boot Camp, he was assigned to a fighter plane squadron on North Island Naval Air Station as a stenographer. He did not like that idea, so he requested to work on the planes. His request was granted, and he trained as an aircraft mechanic. Charlie was assigned to the USS Princeton and the Philippine Sea aircraft carriers. He enjoyed the Navy a great deal and his service was extended into the Korean War. He was discharged with the medal of good conduct on December 29, 1951.

At sixteen years of age in 1946, Charlie was hired by the Union Pacific Railroad, which become his life’s work and path to upward mobility. His advancement opportunities would require personal improvement over the years, which he identified and fulfilled by getting his GED, joining Toastmasters, and applying his unrelenting ability for hard work. His career as a sales executive for the Union Pacific took the family from Salt Lake City to Chicago, Idaho Falls, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Upon retirement in 1988, Charlie and Dianne made a final move to Heber Valley, Utah to be back in the Wasatch Mountains and near their children.

There will be a viewing on November 3, 2022, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM at Heber Valley Funeral Home, 288 N. Main St., Heber City, Utah followed by a graveside service at 1:00 PM at the Heber City Cemetery, 680 N. 550 E., Heber City, Utah 84032.