Charles (Chuck) Edward Highum, a proud Vietnam veteran, devoted father and beloved member ofthe Pagosa Springs community, passed away Nov. 3, 2025, at his log cabin home on the lower BlancoRiver in Pagosa Springs, Colo.

Born on March 9, 1950, in Richmond, Va., to James G. Highum Sr. and Myrtle Lou (Childerss)Highum, Chuck spent his early years growing up amid the rolling farm country of northernMinnesota. In 1960, the family caravaned west to Albuquerque, N.M., where he would spend hisformative years. He attended Collet Park and Acoma elementary schools, Jackson Junior High, andgraduated from Manzano High School in 1968.

Shortly after graduation, Chuck answered the call to serve his country. He completed two combattours in Vietnam with Company A44, 36th Signal Battalion, First Signal Brigade. His service wasmarked 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. Heworked in sales at Ramblin Boots and later at Prudential Insurance Company. Later, he became theproud owner and craftsman behind Coyote Tile Designs, where his artistic eye and skilled handsbrought beauty into countless homes and spaces. His work reflected his character — strong,authentic and made to last. 

Inlateryears, Chuck retiredto theserenity of his log cabin alongthe BlancoRiver inPagosaSprings, Colo. There, surroundedbythe mountains andnaturehe loved, hefoundpeaceandfulfillment. Hecherishedthe visits from family,longtalks on theporch and quietmorningslistening to the river.

Chuck is survived byhisfour children: Carrie JoNelsonand her partner AngeloMartinez, ofFarmington, N.M.; AmyHill, of Farmington, N.M.; Jenny Highum and her partner Jay Diffey,ofPagosaSprings, Colo.; and CharlesJerrod Highum, of Seattle, Wash. Heisalsosurvived byhisbrother, John Albert Highum; nephews JonathanHighumand Paul Jacob Highum;niecesChristineHighum, Holly Highum and Gwynne Highum-McMurry;grandchildren NoellePhillips,ParkerHill,Spencer Hill, Riley Hill, Zachary Nelson,Olivia Diffey, Talbot Diffey andEvelynDiffey; and great-grandson Korben Phillips.

Hewas preceded indeath byhisfather,James G. HighumSr.; mother MyrtleLou Highum; brotherJamesG. HighumJr.; sister Nancy Ellen Highum-Berry; brother Paul Steven Highum; niece ReneeBerry;andnephewTimothyHighum.

Chuck will be remembered for hisresilience,humor,generosityand the quietstrength thatdefined his life.His legacy liveson inthe family he loved, the craftsmanship heleft behindand thebeauty he found in a lifewell-lived.

A service with military honors will beheldatSantaFeNationalCemetery on Thursday,Nov.13,2025,at 11a.m.

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