Mitchell Charles Albert
Marriages
Joan Parker - July 26, 1951
Married 50+ years
Burial Details
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - February 2, 2013
Mitchell Charles Albert, 82, of Laramie, Wyo., died Jan. 26, 2013, at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland.
Charles was born July 24, 1930, in Laurel, Mont., to James and Esther Mitchell. Charles was raised with his sister, Marion, and younger brother, Walter, in Belfry, Mont., where his father worked for the railroad. While participating in high school sports, he met his future bride, Joan Parker, a high school athlete just down the road in Fromberg, Mont. Charles attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., and as a member of the basketball team, he participated in a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics tournament.
Charles and Joan were married July 26, 1951, in Fromberg and moved to Rosebud, Mont., for his first job teaching school and coaching. They later moved to Worden, Mont., where he coached his team to a state basketball title in 1953. Following the birth of their two boys, the family moved in 1957 to Cody, Wyo., where he taught at the junior high school and coached multiple sports. Charles pursued his master’s degree from Eastern Montana College in Billings, and that led to his first principal position at Cody Junior High in 1964. He took a promotion to Cody High School in 1967. Charles called radio play by play for high school games, and often he and Jo chauffeured cheerleaders to his sons’ athletic events. He also coached numerous baseball teams in which his sons were involved. Charles and Jo moved to Steamboat in 1975 and to Laramie in 1983. He served as high school principal in both towns. He retired as principal at Laramie High School in 1990. During his career, he was honored by the National FFA Organization, the Distributive Education Clubs of America, the directors of education in Colorado and Wyoming, and the Wyoming Secondary Schools Administrators Association.
After retirement, Charles and Jo spent several winters traveling in their trailer and fifth wheel enjoying time with family and friends. Mesa, Ariz., was a favorite spot. A 50th wedding anniversary celebration included a family cruise to Alaska. He was a gardener and golfer.
Charles was a member of the Cody Rotary, Masonic Blue Lodge, served as Worthy Patron in Eastern Star and enjoyed the Shrine Club. He served the Presbyterian Church in Cody. Mitch especially enjoyed his grandson, Matthew. They traveled together often including Disneyland and RV rallies in various states. Matt’s participation in Special Olympics always was supported by Grandpa, and he traveled to many events throughout Wyoming. Laramie also provided the opportunity to root for the Cowboys and Cowgirls.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; two sons, David and wife, Lanette, of Dolores, and James and wife, Lynnann, of Cheyenne; grandson, Matthew; sister, Marion; brother, Walt and wife, Lois; eight nieces and nephews and their families.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Feb. 1, 2013, at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeff Rainwater officiating. Interment followed at Green Hill Cemetery. A reception was held at the church following the graveside service
Memorial gifts may be made to Wyoming Special Olympics or the Cathedral Home for Children of Laramie in his honor. Services are under the direction of Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook, visit www.montgomery
stryker.com.
