Big Sky Times

The U.S. District Court of Montana recently announced the death of Senior Judge Charles C. Lovell. He died June 14 at 93, in Helena, Montana, after serving on the federal bench in the District of Montana for 36 years, the announcement said.

"He exemplified the very best traits of a trial judge, preparation, restraint, intelligence, curiosity, patience and kindness to all who came before him," said his colleague and fellow U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in a statement. "Judge Lovell lived a remarkable American life. He was a child of the Great Depression, an airman in the Air Force, a successful practicing lawyer and a fair and wise federal judge."

Lovell, who had transitioned to senior status, had been on inactive senior status at the time of his death.

Lovell graduated from the University of Montana in 1952 and enlisted as an active duty airman for the U.S. Air Force where he served as a weapons controller, the court said. In 1954 he transferred to active reserve, eventually earning the rank of captain. Lovell was released to honorary retired reserve in 1967.

 While in the Air Force, he began a legal career in Great Falls after graduating from the University of Montana School of Law in 1959. Lovell had a successful law career, owning a private practice and eventually serving as chief counsel for the Office of the Montana Attorney General in Helena from 1969-1972.                      

Lovell's law career advanced after receiving a presidential nomination from former President Ronald Reagan on March 27, 1985, to serve the newly established Article III judgeship in the District of Montana. On April 3 of the same year, Lovell was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. 

He eventually assumed senior status on June 14, 2000, and maintained a regular case load during his 36 years as a federal judge.

Christensen concluded, "I'm grateful to have practiced before him and I'll miss him as a colleague."