Charles Mitchell

75 year old Charles “Bud” R. Mitchell, aka: Camper Cat, Camper King of Colorado, Dad, Grandpa and Little Boo, went home to be with his Savior on July 1, 2011. Bud loved Colorado; the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the Denver Broncos, and the Colorado Rockies, as well camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife. His sportsman personality was the inspiration behind Mitchell Campers.

Bud Mitchell built the first Mitchell camper for his family in 1957 and sold it because he was out of work. Thirty six people showed up on a snowy spring day to buy the first one advertised in the paper. He was asked to build another, then another and so began a Colorado legend. With the partnership of his father Harry, and his brother Mick, their company, Mitchell & Sons was born. At its peak in the early 70's, the Commerce City factory was building seven campers per day. Thousands of people in Colorado and the western states have vacationed in Mitchell motor homes or pick up campers. Bud was the iconic and friendly face of the company. Over 200 employees considered themselves his family. Bud designed many styles and colors for his campers. An orange and blue Mitchell Executive Mini Motor Home was built for Red Miller, former head coach of the Denver Broncos. Bud also designed a special unit to help smuggle Bibles into Russia. One was eventually designed to smuggle a persecuted priest out from behind Russia’s iron curtain. Bud was part of local Colorado history and impacted childhood memories of many. He lived in Colorado at the foot of his beloved Rockies, America’s playground, and Coloradoan's wanted campers. Once, the Denver Post featured a story of Mitchell Camper’s legendary club, the Bighorn Caravan. During the featured trip to the annual “Steak Fry” a stretch of Mitchell Campers 4 miles long crossed the continental divide on its way to the caravan's campsite.

Bud was a devoted husband. His love and admiration for his Mary Jane was a tremendous example of a great marriage to all of his family. Bud and Mary Jane managed to put all nine children through Christian schools. During his later years, Bud’s prayer for his large family became a prayer much like Psalm 71:18; Now also when I am old and grey headed, Oh God forsake me not: until I have shewed Thy strength unto this generation and Thy power to everyone that is to come… (Descendents). His children believe his Christianity is his greatest legacy. Bud is preceded in death by his parents Harry & Flo (Ehret) Mitchell, his son Charles Robert Mitchell and his son-in-law Arthur Lee Lyons.

Bud is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Jane (Benes), and eight children; (The C.R.s) Carol R. Prater, Connie R. Lyons, Cheri R. (Nick) SaBell, Cindy R. (Kirk) Bittner, Cayttie R. (K.C.) Heister, Carl “Buddy” R. (Karyn) Mitchell, Craig R. (Jennifer) Mitchell, and Chloe R. (Robbie) Hodges. He is also survived by 30 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren (plus two on the way), his brother Mick Mitchell, and Mick’s children (today’s Mitchell & Sons of Commerce City) and numerous family and friends. Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, CO. Following graveside service, friends and family are invited to a potluck luncheon at Beth Eden Baptist Church, 2600 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheatridge Co.