Charles Michael Chenoweth

Charles Michael Chenoweth was born March 19th 1953, in Lamar Colorado, to Marion & Margaret (Quick) Chenoweth. He was the first of two children.

Chuck was joined by his baby sister Mary Ann in December of 1955. The two grew up in the family home that Marion built, creating countless memories together. Mary fondly recalls many camping trips in homemade campers; and hours spent side by side in the shop with their Dad. Ever the protective older brother, Chuck was a steady presence in her life. During these childhood years, he proudly earned his badges as a Cub Scout and later as a Boy Scout, learning skills that would stay with him for life.

Chuck attended school in Springfield, graduating in 1971. Following graduation, he took a job driving a truck for the Co-op. He hauled grain, liquid cattle feed, gas, & diesel. He then joined his father's business, a move that granted him a fulfilling career, and a lifetime in heavy equipment operating, and saw him continuing his father's business, Chenoweth Construction.

His life became richer, and his hair a little more grey, when he became a father, first to Jeffrey Steven, followed by Clayton Michael, and then Chance Ryan. The boys, when asked, had many ways of describing their years growing up with Chuck as their Dad. Clay said "Jeff, Chance and I won the lottery when it came to dads, he was just extraordinary in so many ways". Chance noted that Chuck embraced the role of having the "hang-out" place, stating "he was the host of many Avs game watch parties when I was in high school, and he always enjoyed coming to visit in the city to ride around in a variety of exotic cars, of course we always obeyed the posted speed limit!". Jeff's words were work ethic, and a love for heavy equipment. "It's not just what I do for a living, it's who I am because of Dad. He never gave up on me, no matter how challenging it was."

Having been raised by parents who were civic-minded and involved in the community, Chuck was active in and supported many community organizations. He was a member of the Sheriff's Posse for 20 plus years. He also spent many years as a Boy Scout Leader for Jeff & Clay's troop, which led to one his most memorable experiences when he and Rick Hartley took Clay and Jered on a 68 mile hiking & backpacking adventure going from Creede to Wolf Creek Pass. In recent years he was an active supporter of many community and youth-oriented organizations, including the Baca County Fair, Pheasant's Forever, Baca County 4-H Livestock Sale, county FFA organizations, the Blazing Saddles Drill team, and most recently, the newly-formed Cat Creek Shooting Club.

Along with his involvement in community and his children's activities, Chuck enjoyed many interests and hobbies. There were many family trips to the lake with the boat, motorcycle trail riding that later became 4 wheeler trail riding, hunting trips to the mountains with Rod&Dave and others, and taking in the massive equipment show known as Con-Expo every 3 years in Las Vegas. Chuck also continued to host the yearly RC fun fly that Marion had started over 30 years ago.

Chuck was always willing to step up and lend a hand, no matter the task or who needed help. Whether it was clearing snow from countless driveways, including his sister's, or stepping in to assist his kids or grandkids with whatever they required, he never turned anyone away.

Chuck leaves behind a legacy, and a void larger than any pit he may have excavated. Those who will forever miss his presence include: sons Jeff and wife PJ, Clay and wife Katrina, Chance and wife Sally; grandchildren Gage and wife Aubrey, Kimber, Slade, Shelby, and Archer; sister Mary Alton; nieces Kendra Alton, Brandi & husband Patrick Hurley, nephew Cade and wife Kim, a great niece, and 5 great nephews; and an enormous host of cousins and close friends he counted as family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marion & Margaret, and his nephew Daniel.

Chuck spent his life building not only a successful construction business, but also a reputation as a man people could rely on. Through his work, with both his father and then later his sons & grandsons, he helped shape Baca County, leaving behind projects that stand as a testament to his skill and dedication. His Children and Grandchildren will forever carry the lessons he taught and the examples he set.