HIGHFILL, Charles H. (Papa)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Thursday, May 16, 2013 Charles H. "Papa" Highfill was born Aug. 27, 1921, in Midwest, Wyo., and passed away peacefully in Prescott, Ariz., on May 8, 2013, at the age of 91. Charles was the third child born to Harold and Gena Highfill. The Highfill family moved to Yuma in the early 1930s. Charles attended school in Yuma and was a Yuma High School graduate. Charles had many jobs in his teen years, one being an usher at the old Yuma Theatre. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy after Pearl Harbor in 1941. In 1953, he married Patsy Pender and they had two children, Lora and Kevin. They lived in many places during his military career; Coronado Island and Oak Harbor were some of their favorites. He retired and moved back to Yuma in 1962, where he opened and operated Highfill Jewelers. Charles was also a very successful insurance salesman once he retired from the jewelry business. He was very active in many community organizations, including the Sunrise Optimists and Elks; he was a founding member of the Caballeros de Yuma and the past president of the Yuma Chamber of Commerce. He was also an active member at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Patsy passed away in 1980 and he went on to marry Lois Smith in 1981. Charles and Lo (as he called her) loved to travel. They continued to live in Yuma but summered in Prescott. After many years of traveling back and forth, they decided to make Prescott their permanent residence and bought a beautiful home that they loved. Charles enjoyed socializing and was a great storyteller; he was a man of his word and much respected in the community. Lois was a wonderful caregiver to Charles over the years. Charles is survived by his loving wife Lois; daughter Lora (Brent) Dana of Yuma; son Kevin (Patti) Highfill of Yuma; stepdaughter Debbie (Chuck) Juenger of Payson; grandchildren Tricia Gardner of Tucson, Farrah (Shawn) Gebhart of Yuma, Alyssa Frauenfelder (Matthew O'Donald) of Yuma, Breezy Williams of Phoenix, Scott (Lindsey) Juenger of Phoenix and Christopher Juenger of Prescott. He also has eight great-grandchildren, Megan, Zachary, Laura, Jacob, Jackson, Cole, Campbell and Anna. He is preceded in death by his brother Bud Highfill; his sister Dorothy Hirschel; and stepdaughter Amy Smith. The family would like to give a special thank you to the Hospice Family Care Center in Prescott for their amazing care given to Papa during his last few days. We will miss you Papa. No services are planned per his wishes. You may donate in his honor to Hospice Family Care Center in Prescott. Information provided by survivors.