Charles Herbert Creel

1933–2024

Charles “Chuck” Herbert Creel was born on February 28, 1933, in Asheville, North Carolina. On December 21, 2024, at age 91, Chuck peacefully passed away in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by loving family members and reuniting with his eternal sweetheart, Sue.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Chuck spoke often of his childhood in Chapel Hill, where he lived from the time he was three years old until his graduation from Chapel Hill High School in 1950. Chuck excelled in both academics and athletics, earning a full football scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to play as a linebacker.

After a few semesters in college, Chuck joined the army where he learned Russian at the Army Language School in Monterey, California. He was later stationed on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, during the Korean War.

On Christmas Eve of 1953, Chuck married his sweetheart, Susann Stiver, in Las Vegas, and they were sealed for time and all eternity on December 20, 1975, in the St. George Utah Temple.

Chuck and Sue joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, December 21, 1974, and exactly 50 years later on Saturday, December 21, 2024, Charles graduated from this life having been a stalwart member all that time.

Las Vegas was home for Chuck and Sue, where he worked for title insurance businesses (Pioneer Title and later Title Insurance and Trust Company, 1956–67), Hughes Real Estate, and Hardy Companies.

Chuck had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed the music of Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, and George Gershwin. He enjoyed studying and speaking other languages and was an excellent writer and editor with fine penmanship. He was exceptionally articulate and funny—a gifted storyteller and conversationalist.

He loved watching sports! Chuck was a talented coach and athlete in football and baseball, spending countless hours on the field with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, coaching and supporting their teams.

From 1990 to 1993, Chuck and Sue served as the first mission presidents in the Russia St. Petersburg Mission for the Church. President and Sister Creel touched the hearts and minds of all thosewhom they taught and served with in Russia and the surrounding areas of Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Austria.

Chuck held several callings in the Church throughout his life in addition to his mission, including his service as a bishop, an assistant to the Las Vegas Mission, and as an instructor with Sue for the Addiction Recovery Program for over three years.

As he is now continuing his callings on the other side of the veil, we know Chuck has at long last been able to embrace those loved ones who passed on before him, including his beloved wife, his parents, Thomas Braxton Creel and Addie Mae Erwood, and four of his six children: Craig, Curt, Corey, and Carey.

Chuck is survived by his children Clay Creel, Christy (Phillip) Hardy, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called him Papa.

An exemplar of strength, generosity, and faith, Papa will always be remembered during the season of giving and love. He taught us the importance of staying close to the Savior and relying on Him throughout our lives. Papa's testimony of the gospel was unwavering, his playful spirit was absolutely endearing, and his legacy of leadership, charisma, and wisdom will forever be cherished by his posterity.

The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1801 S Monte Cristo Way, Las Vegas, Nevada.

A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery, 6701 N Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada.