Charles, Mitcham III,

Jan 26, 1951 – May 28, 2024

Charles Edward “Stagecoach” Mitcham III, of Scottsdale, joined his parents David and Betty,
brothers Brian and Timmy with the Lord on May 28, 2024. He was born in Trenton, Michigan on
January 26, 1951, spent the early part of his childhood in northern California before his mother
and biological father moved to Arizona.

Charles (Chuck) graduated from Coronado High School in 1969, started his career in zoology at
the Phoenix Zoo working in the bird exhibit and helping them populate it with hawks. Chuck
later moved to the Denver area, worked for the Denver Zoo caring for their Rhinos and
Elephants. Chuck developed a strong connection to elephants, decided to buy one when he
moved his family to a ranch he had outside of Trinidad, Colorado. He returned to the Phoenix
area and began working for Allied Signal, then for The Arizona Republic before he retired.

Chuck was married to his high-school sweetheart, Debra Fowler. He passionately loved his wife
and all his family members. Chuck never took himself too seriously. He had an early talent for
building motorcycles, enjoyed fishing and golfing. He developed a healthy sense of humor and
grit as he endured the strides of life while always aiming to keep his “ducks in a row”.

Chuck is dearly missed. He is survived by his wife Debra, his brother Dan, sisters Debbie and
Barbara, six children (Nick, Tim, Autumn, Katie, Ryan and Casey), ten grandchildren, two great
grandchildren, six aunts and uncles, 44 nieces and nephews. He was an inspiration to many he
loved, encouraged and supported through their own life challenges.