Charles Edward Mitchell

Charles was born on December 29, 1936, in Kilsyth, West Virginia, to James Walter & Reni Bell Mitchell (née Bennett). He was born into a large family with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Growing up he had an independent, adventurous, and strong headed spirit. He completed his education through the 8th grade and later attended night school for drafting.

He was proud to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. While serving in the Army, he gained a lot of pride for his country and his family that he fought to protect. After the Army he started his career as a Test Engineer at Martin Marrietta. He immensely enjoyed his career until his retirement after 44 years of dedicated work.

On November 27th of 1958, Charles married the love of his life Mary A. Mitchell (née Nye) in Englewood, Colorado. Together the two shared 68 beautiful years together full of love, laughs, and hardships. They raised 2 wonderful girls together, Catherine J. (Robert) Papka (née Mitchell) and Elizabeth J. (Walter) Kahler (née Mitchell) with humility, faith and love. He loved his girls with everything he had and described as the “world’s best dad”. The family moved to the Longmont area in 2006 from Castle Rock, Colorado.

During his free time, he enjoyed having the neighborhood kids over with his daughters to have a blast. When he wasn’t hosting the neighborhood kids he enjoyed hunting, collecting rocks of all kinds, enjoying antique cars, and attending local car shows. He would often visit Joe to catch up on life and talk up a storm, pretending that they could hear each other.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, James Walter & Reni Bell Mitchell; and his brothers Delbert and Kenneth Mitchell.

He is survived by his loving devoted wife, Mary A. Mitchell; his beautiful girls, Catherine J. (Robert) Papka and Elizabeth J. (Walter) Kahler: his siblings Glenna (Phil) Honaker, Eva Crouch, and Benny (Margaret) Mitchell; his grandchildren, Brad (April) Papka, Jason (Rachelle) Papka, Rabecca Papka, Hannah Papka, Amber (David) Williams, Shane (Connie) Kahler, Cory (Andrea) Kahler, and Kristin (John) Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Geffory Papka, Ian Papka, Nada Papka, Johnathan Papka, Aaron Papka and Landon Papka, Chrisitan Bisese, Kaylee Johnson, Chase Johnson, Tucker Kahler, and Ayla Kahler; and his great-greatgrandchildren, Tristian Bisese, Ellie Bisese.

A Memorial Service for Charles will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Howe Mortuary & Crematory, located at 439 Coffman Street, in Longmont, Colorado. A reception will follow the service.

A Graveside Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, located at 4400 W Kenyon Avenue, in Denver, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers Charles family would like to encourage donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel for Tower Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for his loving family.