Charles Hardy “Chuck” Thorne

Charles Hardy “Chuck” Thorne, 76, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 3, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by the memories of a life lived to the fullest. He was under the compassionate care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Chuck was born April 14, 1949, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Charles and Eloise Thorne. Raised in the Menan and Rigby area, Chuck was a proud graduate of Rigby High School. He inherited a legacy of service from his father, a Bronze Star recipient for his heroic and meritorious actions in combat, which translated into Chuck’s own lifelong commitment to helping others.

A Master Storyteller:

While Chuck was known for many things, he was truly defined by his love for a good story. He was a master of the “gift of gab,” and his favorite pastime was spinning yarns that could captivate a room. Whether he was recounting a wild adventure or a simple observation, Chuck lived to make people laugh. His humor was a bridge to others, and his storytelling was a gift he gave freely to everyone he met.

A Passion for the Wild:

His heart truly belonged to the outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, Chuck found peace and excitement in the changing seasons-from fishing the summer waters and ice fishing in the winter, to waterfowl and big game hunting. He loved the simple joy of horseback riding, camping, or just driving through the countryside to soak in the scenery. In his later years, his adventurous spirit took him further afield to the landscapes of Alaska, Canada, and Mexico.

A Career of Connections:

Chuck was a man of many talents, working as a master butcher, construction worker, and car salesman. However, his most rewarding chapter was owning his own bail bonds business. To Chuck, this wasn’t just a job; it was a way to provide guidance and a steady hand to people during some of their toughest moments.

Family and Legacy:

Chuck made his home in Idaho Falls and took immense pride in his two handsome, adventurous sons: Nate Thorne (with Nanci Champion) and K.C. Thorne (with Trudy Wackerli). In recent years, as Chuck faced significant health challenges, his son K.C. remained constantly by his side as his primary care giver. Their bond was a testament to unconditional love; K.C. ‘s devotion provided Chuck with comfort and dignity, and Chuck’s passing leaves a profound emptiness that only a lifetime of laughter and stories can begin to fill.

Chuck is survived by:

Sons: Nate Thorne of Swan Valley, ID, and K.C. Thorne of Idaho Falls, ID.

Family: Four grandchildren; Cavin, Jurgan, Bailey, and Lola. Three nieces; Vikki, Ginger, and Joni and his nephew, Zane, who shared a particularly close and cherished bond with his Uncle Chuck.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mary Jenkins, and one niece, Nikki.

Services:

A visitation will be held at from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue.

In true Chuck fashion, a Celebration of Life will be held this summer, where his friends and family can gather to do what he loved most: be outdoors, share stories, remember the good times, and laugh in his honor.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com