Charles Mitchell

Charles "Chuck" Mitchell was born February 21, 1942 in Unity, IL. At a young age his parents Leo Mitchell and Ruby (Houston) Mitchell moved to Denver, CO where he was raised along with his younger sister Norma.

His early education started at Whittier Elementary School; he then went on to Cole Junior High School and graduated from Manual High School. He concluded his education by attending the University of Illinois and Colorado State University.

He was baptized at Zion Baptist Church under Rev. Wendall Liggins. He later moved to Central Baptist Church under Rev. W.O. Mays. He relocated to Los Angeles, CA. in the mid/late 80's. Later he became a member of Macedonia Baptist Church under Rev. Shane B Scott where he remained until his passing.

Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While in the U.S Navy Chuck was a Hospital Corpsman. During this time the family patriarch, Leo passed.

His next career destination was at the Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station in Denver where he became the first civilian hired to run the Medical Examination section of the organization.

His career continued next at the Five Points Eastside Neighborhood Health Center Lab when it opened as the first community clinic in the west.

He was employed at Denver Regional Council of Governments as a professional planner for the Titis area-wide organization in health planning for the region.

He was appointed to the Colorado Board of Health by Governor Richard "Dick" Lamm. Chuck was the first black Corporate Officer of any Blue Cross and Shield
plan across the country as Vice President of Public and Legislative Affairs with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado. Charles concluded his professional career in Colorado at the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies as a Senior Management Analyst.

He served as First Lady Webb's first campaign manager for the Colorado legislature. Chuck hosted a current event show, Nine (9) File on KBTV (now KUSA) channel 9
He had a passion for helping the community. He volunteered his time organizing a Medical Lab Assistant Program for Manual High School Students and The University of Colorado Health Sciences.

He continued to volunteer and was elected the president of the Veterans of West Los Angeles Alumni Association, where he helped homeless veterans in southern California. He was also committed to the California Senior Legislature representing older Californians, as well as the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults. He remained an active advocate for these causes and various support groups until the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Ruby Mitchell; sister, Levern Smith; aunt, Alsie Mason; nephew James Henderson Jr.; brother in law, Joel Hughes; and devoted friend Zelda Hutcherson.

Charles "Chuck" Edward Mitchell departed this life on July 2, 2018. Those left to cherish his memory include by his sister Norma Mitchell-Hughes of Denver; nephews James (Val) Henderson, Justin and Jeremy of Lithonia, GA.; Kenneth Henderson, Kenneth Jr. (Chuntelle), Rodney, nieces Sophia and Nia of Denver; Aunt Jewel, El Cajon, CA; and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Funeral Home: St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church – 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 7/12/2018 at 4:00 PM – Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace – 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 7/13/2018 at 11:00 AM – Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace – 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 7/13/2018 at 1:30 PM – Ft. Logan National Cemetery – 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 7/13/2018 – Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace – 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO