Charles Harrison Graham, 91, was born at home at his parent’s ranch, near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico on September 24, 1918. His early life was full of ranch activities where he developed a love of the outdoors and honed raw survival skills. Schooling began in a one room school house, then high school in Mesilla Park, and then New Mexico State University where he earned a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1941.
During WWII Charley served in the US Army in Colorado. There he met Kansas girl, Emilie Anneberg, an Army Nurse. After a six week courtship they married on May 20, 1944. After the war they moved to Santa Fe where Charley worked for the government issuing loans to farmers and working with ranchers to improve their feed production. In 1947 they purchased a farm in Blythe, California, one of many southern New Mexico families who moved to Blythe for the farming opportunities in those years. In 1953 Charley began his automobile career as a salesman and quickly became general manager/owner of Charley Graham Chevrolet and Buick. He employed some of Blythe’s finest over the years, servicing the automotive needs of the Valley.
Charley was active in organizations such as: Blythe Rotary (60 plus years), Blythe Chamber of Commerce, PV School District, Riverside County School District, PV Historical Museum, PV Hospital, 4-H, and Zion Lutheran Church. Charley received a Congressional Recognitions Award for his outstanding community service.
A passion of the Graham’s was the enchanting desert. Most weekends they followed Indian trails and explored ghost towns. During WWII General Patton’s army trained in the desert. When they left for North Africa, they left many items including barbed concertina wire, which local farmers were allowed to collect and use. From those desert forays to find wire, the Grahams began 60 years of desert back-road travel. Other activities Charley enjoyed were tennis, exercising, and enjoying the beautiful Colorado River with family and friends.
In 2005 Charley and Emilie moved to Flagstaff to be near their daughter. He lost Emilie later in 2005 after 61 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents Earl and Irene, his brother Joe, and sister Mona. He is survived by: Son Richard Graham (Nancy), Santa Barbara, CA; Daughter Susie Garretson, Flagstaff; Grandsons Matthew Graham, Santa Barbara; Aaron Graham (Gretchen), Flagstaff; Patrick Garretson, Middletown, Ca; Jesse Garretson, Flagstaff; Grand Daughters Madisyn and Tabatha Graham, Flagstaff.
