Charles "Chuck" Edward Highum

Charles (Chuck) Edward Highum, a proud Vietnam veteran, devoted father, and beloved member of the Pagosa Springs community, passed away November 3, 2025 at his log cabin home on the lower Blanco River in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Born on March 9, 1950 in Richmond, Virginia, to James G. Highum Sr. and Myrtle Lou (Childerss) Highum, Chuck spent his early years growing up amid the rolling farm country of northern Minnesota. In 1960, the family caravaned west to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he would spend his formative years. He attended Collet Park and Acoma Elementary Schools, Jackson Junior High, and graduated from Manzano High School in 1968.

Shortly after graduation, Chuck answered the call to serve his country. He completed two combat tours in Vietnam with Company A44, 36th Signal Battalion, First Signal Brigade. His service was marked by courage, dedication, and a steadfast sense of duty to his fellow soldiers and his country, qualities that would continue to define his life long after his time in uniform.

Following his military service, Chuck built a life centered on hard work, creativity, and family. He worked in sales at Ramblin Boots and later at Prudential Insurance Company. Later, he became the proud owner and craftsman behind Coyote Tile Designs, where his artistic eye and skilled hands brought beauty into countless homes and spaces. His work reflected his character—strong, authentic, and made to last.

In later years, Chuck retired to the serenity of his log cabin along the Blanco River in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. There, surrounded by the mountains and nature he loved, he found peace and fulfilment. He cherished the visits from family, long talks on the porch, and quiet mornings listening to the river.

Chuck is survived by his four children: Carrie Jo Nelson and her partner Angelo Martinez of Farmington, NM; Amy Hill of Farmington, NM; Jenny Highum and her partner Jay Diffey of Pagosa Springs, CO; and Charles Jerrod Highum of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by his brother John Albert Highum; nephews Jonathan Highum and Paul Jacob Highum; nieces Christine Highum, Holly Highum, and Gwynne Highum-McMurry; grandchildren Noelle Phillips, Parker Hill, Spencer Hill, Riley Hill, Zachary Nelson, Olivia Diffey, Talbot Diffey, and Evelyn Diffey; and great-grandson Korben Phillips.

He was preceded in death by his father James G. Highum Sr., mother Myrtle Lou Highum, brother James G. Highum Jr., sister Nancy Ellen Highum-Berry, brother Paul Steven Highum, niece Renee Berry, and nephew Timothy Highum.

Chuck will be remembered for his resilience, humor, generosity, and the quiet strength that defined his life. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the craftsmanship he left behind, and the beauty he found in a life well-lived.

A service with military honors will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.