Eugene Mingus

Eugene Mingus passed from this earth with family by his side on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the age of 87. Eugene was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico on September 15, 1937, to Leon and Minnie Mingus. He attended first and second grades in High Rolls, NM. His family then moved to Douglas, Arizona for a short time. After third grade, his family moved to Portal, Arizona and lived on the A.V.A. Ranch, attending school in Portal, Arizona through the eighth grade. After that time, Eugene's family moved to Bisbee, Arizona, and he attended school at Bisbee High School. Eugene transferred to Douglas High School his senior year, graduating from there in 1956.
It was during his senior year that he met his lifetime companion, Shirley Poindexter Mingus. They had been married for 68 years at his passing. To that marriage were born four children: Joyce Downs (Frank), Charlotte Bethel (Russell), Sharon Paskiewicz (Larry), and Michael Mingus. To those marriages were born six grandchildren: Ryan Bethel (Alyssa), Dennis Downs (Valerie), Michelle Howell (Brice), Ashley Clonts, Brick Paskiewicz (Jess), and Trent Paskiewicz. Eugene also loved his great-grandchildren; Kialia Clonts, Jassey Clonts, Lacey Howell, Declan Downs, Jolie Howell, Delilah Downs, and Dakota Downs. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought much joy and "spark" to his day.
Eugene served as the distributor for Standard Oil in the Douglas Bulk Plant. After a time working for Phelps Dodge, he worked for CTI, retiring in September 2000 as a truck driver with 25 years of service. He belonged to several organizations. He was a life member of the Douglas BPOE Elks Lodge, Cochise County Sheriff's Posse, and a member of the American Legion Fred Hilburn Post. He was a longtime member of the Douglas Golf and Social Club, and a member of the Mt. Graham Golf Club. He was a very active man all his life. Eugene had many hobbies, ranging from hunting and fishing with his family, team roping with his family and friends, bowling in many leagues over the years, and most recently golfing with family and friends. Many hours were spent traveling with his wife to watch his grandkids and great-grandkids play their sports and show their 4-H and FFA animals. He became an avid golfer in retirement, golfing until most recently.
Eugene is survived by: his wife, Shirley; daughters, Joyce Downs and Charlotte Bethel; sister, Johnnie May Putz; and brother, Leroy Mingus; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were: his daughter, Sharon Paskiewicz; his son, Michael Mingus; great-granddaughter, Danika Lynn Clonts; sister, Barbara Nalley; brother, Norman Mingus; mother, Minnie Stidham; father, Leon Mingus; and grandmothers, Lula Noyes and Myrtle Leachet.
His most precious memories were keeping in touch with his family and loved ones. He loved hearing about all their activities and accomplishments and was always waiting for a text from each of them that they made it home safe.
A private celebration of life is being planned.