St. George, Utah – Charles Richard Harrah, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in the morning on September 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Charles was born on February 28, 1937, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Charles L. Harrah and Onieda F. Shepherd. He was raised in Arizona, where he developed a deep love for animals. As a teenager, he even had a pet monkey named Billy, though their adventures together occasionally led to mishaps, such as the time when Billy bit Charles as he tried to remove gum from the monkey's hair. This resulted in a trip to the hospital with Charles having blood poisoning and also missing the championship game.  Charles' dedication to his pets and his adventurous spirit were evident from a young age.

He attended New Mexico Military Institute and later graduated from Mingus High School in Jerome, Clarkdale, Arizona. Charles was actively involved in sports throughout his school years.

Charles continued his education at Arizona State University (ASU), where he earned a bachelor's degree in education.

In 1958 Charles met the love of his life, Mary Beth Jackson at Yellowstone National Park. They married a year later, on April 3, 1959, in Phoenix, Arizona. Their union was later solemnized in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Together, they explored different landscapes, from the desert to the mountains and the ocean. However, they both hold a special affection for St. George, red rocks, and Zion National Park.

Charles dedicated fifteen years of his life to teaching, with roles in both private and public schools. He was not only an educator but also a coach for various sports, including football, softball, basketball, and baseball. His teaching journey began in a new town in Page, Arizona in 1959 where he owned and loved his 55 Chevy and a Model A Ford.  Later, he taught in Northern California before switching professions to work for US West in Mesa, Arizona. He eventually retired after transferring to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Charles was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully in numerous callings. He believed that the church was a place of happiness and spiritual growth.

He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed activities like fly fishing and hunting. His fly-fishing adventures took him to places like Oak Creek Canyon, while he enjoyed salmon fishing in Oregon and Washington. Charles once caught a prize-winning trout during his youth. His hunting expeditions often led him to Kaibab and Mingus Mountain, where he cherished time spent with his three sons.

Charles had a passion for country music, with his favorite song being "Long Line of Love" by Paul Overstreet. He was known for his endearing phrases, often saying, "You are awesome" and "You are my hero."

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Though saddened by his passing, his family and friends take comfort in the promise of a joyful reunion of a glorious resurrection.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy Sue, and great granddaughter Autumn Dees.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Beth and three sons: Dan Harrah (Tina), David Harrah, and Jeff Harrah (Susan). He is also survived by a special daughter, Valerie Hill (Roy) and her children Julie, David, Elizabeth, and Abby and three grandchildren;  daughters-in-law: Sandee and Christina along with two nephews: Bruce and Charles; grandchildren:  Dustin (Krista), Amy Thurgood (Jake), Christy Dees (Kevin), Shauna Brown (Ross), Megan Evans (Eric), Jenna Casey (Kyle), Hannah Curtis (Jeff), Zak (Celeste), Payden, and Lacey; and great grandchildren: Jaxon, Caden, James, Natalie, Britton, Kaser, Kenleigh, Corbin, Addison, Azedah, Maddie, Brigham, Henk, Roxanne, Jett, Boston, Elsie, and Emery. He was from a very small family so having so many grandchildren and posterity was such a blessing to him.

A special thanks to Enhabit Hospice and the River Ridge Ward Relief Society for their compassionate service.

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 29, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Friday, prior to services, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary located at 288 West St. George Blvd.