Charles Ankenman

Charles Harvey Ankenman passed away on March 25, 2026, from the effects of Alzheimer's. Chuck was born on April 7, 1937, in Crawford, Colorado to Charles Joseph Ankenman and Lucetta Louise Lewis. Growing up on a sheep and cattle ranch in the mountains of Western Colorado, Chuck learned and honed skills and attributes that would shape the rest of his life. This included love for family, appreciation of nature, and the value of hard work as well as toughness, creativity, and resilience.

He graduated from Crawford High School where he played on the state championship basketball team. Chuck met the love of his life, Doris Lucille Hunsinger, at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado. The first to attend college in his family, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University, and two master of science degrees, one from Eastern New Mexico University and the other from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

In 1964, Chuck and Doris and their two young sons, Gregg and Jeff, moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Chuck was a beloved biology and advanced biology teacher at Las Vegas High School. In 1966, in large part due to the example of some of Chuck's high school students, Chuck and Doris joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and soon the family was sealed in the St. George, Utah Temple. Over the next several years, Chuck transitioned from teaching to a long career as a residential real estate broker where he went beyond the call of duty by doing things like helping clients move or fix up their houses.

Chuck loved to spend time in the outdoors, camping, scouting and hunting. Famous for his Dutch oven cooking, he amassed what may be the world's largest private collection of Dutch ovens. He regularly prepared Dutch oven cobblers and dinners for large community, church and scouting events. He was a skilled and prolific woodworker and gardener. Applying the can-do attitude and determination forged out of necessity in his youth on the ranch, it seemed that there was nothing he couldn't build or fix. He designed and built teepees, handcarts, pioneering-styled carnival rides, and handicrafts and furniture of all types. Known for his clever (sometimes silly) wit, Chuck uplifted those around him with his jokes and pithy advice. He held on to his sense of humor and joy throughout his life, even through difficult times. When called on to give talks or make presentations, he penned cowboy-style poems (which he called "ditties").

His family and friends and all those fortunate enough to be around Chuck were blessed by his constant love and support and his deep desire and willingness to serve others. In all Chuck did, Doris was fully by his side. Throughout his life, Chuck was a loving teacher and mentor to innumerable youth and young adults through Scouting leadership positions and various church callings. In recognition of his service to Scouting, Chuck received the Silver Beaver Award. His Scouting roles for nearly 50 years included scoutmaster, various district and council level positions, Wood Badge staff member, and ultimately as cubmaster until he was nearly 80.

Chuck also served in many callings in the Church, including bishopric counselor, single adult ward bishop, stake young men's president and virtually every ward and stake calling in the young men's program. Chuck never did anything part way. Whatever he did, he had the vision and dedication to make it special and meaningful, and he inspired others to join with him. For years, he organized elaborate Las Vegas Stake Scouting "Wapiti" activities and ensured that they were youth led. One of his most remarkable achievements was being the chair and leader of the1988 Las Vegas Valley Regional LDS Scout Encampment with some 2,600 participants. This included leading and organizing scores of volunteers in the development and construction of an extensive and enduring camping and outdoor event and activity facility that would become the Kimball Scout Reservation. Chuck and Doris also worked as service missionaries at the LDS Humanitarian Center in Las Vegas for over three years starting in 2008. Chuck leaves a legacy of service, having shaped the lives of countless scouts and others for the better over the decades.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years Doris, his sons Gregg (Jerrilyn) and Jeff (Cathy), five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters Betty and Shirley and by his brother Donald.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Siena Hills Chapel (1500 East Ridge View Drive, Washington, Utah). A viewing will be held prior to the service at 9:00 am. Interment will be held at 3:00 pm at the Parowan City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.

To view the livestream of the service and share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.