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Charles ‘Del’ Wardell
Oct 8, 2010
Charles “Del” Wardell, 62, of Billings and Kent, Wash., passed away Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010. Del was born June 10, 1948, in Billings, to Robert and Della Gould-Wardell.
When Del was in his 20s, he showed interest in learning how to drive truck. His mother quit her job at JC Penney to take on teaching him. It worked and went on to him owning two trucks until his interest led to the Espresso Coffee business as Del Espresso. He operated a very popular location in Kent for many years, the first on East Hill.
He married Robin Balsley, Jan. 21, 1989, and was father to her three children: Tanya, Lena and Josh. The three grandchildren and one great-grandchild were a special bonus to him.
He is survived by his mother, Della; brother Gary (Charlene); and sister Carol (Ross).
A reception will be held at 8825 Lipp Road on Saturday, Oct. 9, 1 to 4 p.m. (Leave the west side of yard open for drive lane to park in the pasture.)
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Gary Daniel
I first read about Del's death in the Yellowstone County News. Doing a little asking around, I heard from people who had attended Del's memorial service at Gary Wardell's home west of Billings. The memorial was several months after his death. I was out of town at that time, or I would have gone. He took his own life after experiencing what sounds like severe depression. Del grew up in the Heights. His folks owned the Harley shop years ago, so Del was a great rider in his youth. Sounds as if Del had a very successful coffee kiosk on a busy stretch of road near Kent, Washington. After a long run there the lease of property ended when the property sold. Shifting from that stable earning environment must have been a difficult change for Del; he tried trucking again, after years away from it. His death was Sept. 23, 2010. Del was a warm, friendly, engaging person in his best days.
Lon Townsend
Del and I were good friends. I even went to Sturges for the races with him one year. His dad would not let him have a car and mine did not let me have a motorcycle. So we would pre-arrange days where he would use my car and I had a choice of multiple bikes. I normally use the 250 CC because the other were so fast I would kill myself. I really liked him and I am so sorry for his passing. While I stopped drinking at about 26, Del - have a cold one for me. I really enjoyed all of the time we spent together and I am sorry that you might have had some challenges that got the best of you. Love ya guy, me