Charles William Zobell

Charles William Zobell, husband, father, grandfather, journalist and disciple of Jesus Christ, died September 11, 2024 in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was 74. He was set to be inducted into the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame on September 14.

Charles was born March 17, 1950 in Provo, Utah to Claude and Clarissa Slaugenhoup Zobell. Charles graduated from Provo High School in 1968, where he participated in the school’s yearbook committee and orchestra, where he played viola and violin for three years.

After attending Brigham Young University for one year, he served a two-year proselyting mission to Argentina for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His time in Argentina would prove to be one of the central, defining experiences of his life, leading to a lifelong interest in Latin American politics and culture and a devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and Christlike service.

Charles graduated from Brigham Young University in 1974 with a degree in communications. While at BYU, he wrote for and edited the school’s paper, The Daily Universe. He also served as the president of the school’s Young Democrats club for two years and as president of the BYU Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for one year.

Charles’s career moved him quickly from Provo (a place he would miss for the rest of his life) to Nevada, where he would begin his career as director of intergovernmental affairs for the City of Las Vegas and as a lobbyist for the City at the Nevada Legislature.

But it would be his career as a journalist, particularly his work at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, that would establish him as a pillar of the city. Initially hired as a reporter, he would move on to City Editor and then to Managing Editor for 20 years, only ending his career at the R-J when the position was eliminated. In many ways, his legacy at the R-J was defined by the people he brought into the organization. Charles had a keen eye for innovative hires, for listening and collaborating with newsroom staff and took great pride in quality journalism. He also was overwhelmingly committed to R-Jeneration, a program devoted to developing young high school journalists.

In addition to the work he performed with the R-J, Charles also taught as a guest lecturer and part-time instructor for the UNLV Hank Greenspan School of Journalism and Media Studies for over twenty years. He was a beloved teacher, awarded with the UNLV Award for Outstanding Teaching by a Part-Time Faculty Member. Charles also worked at KSNV NBC for a brief time as Director of Digital Media.

During the early years of his career in Las Vegas, Charles met local Marilyn Earl through single adult activities sponsored by their church. They were married May 5, 1978 in the LDS St. George Utah Temple.

Charles Zobell served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. In addition to his time as a full-time missionary, Charles also spent several years serving as a member of multiple bishoprics, a Sunday School teacher, a ward clerk, a High Priest Group leader and in several callings working with youth.

When not working, when not spending time with his family, and when not playing racquetball at the local YMCA, Charles was found serving on the boards of several local community organizations. With the United Way of Southern Nevada, he assisted with news relations and fundraising campaigns. While on the board of SafeNest, an organization that assists families suffering domestic violence, Charles served as Treasurer, served on the Facilities Committee, and chaired the PR and Governmental Relations Committee.

Charles is survived by his wife, Marilyn Earl Zobell, of Las Vegas, Nevada; children, David (Rachel) Zobell of Arlington, Virginia; Rebecca Zobell of Las Vegas, Nevada, and three grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Claude Edward Zobell, Sr., his mother, Clarissa Lucile Slaugenhoup, his brother, Claude Edward Zobell, Jr., and his sister, Charlene Zobell.

A viewing will be held at 9:30AM, Saturday, September 21, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1801 South Monte Cristo Way, Las Vegas, NV. Funeral services will follow at 11AM at the same location. A committal service will follow at 1:00 PM at Davis Memorial Park, 6200 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Those interested in joining virtually should reach out to the family for more information.