Charles Franklin Mourning, Jr.

Charles "Chuck" Franklin Mourning, Jr., 63, beloved son of Myrna D. Mourning and the late Lt. Col. (Ret.) Charles "Pete" Franklin Mourning, Sr., went home to be with our Lord and Savior on April 13, 2017 while awaiting a double heart-kidney transplant following a decades-long battle with heart failure and Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Born in Columbus, OH, the son of an active duty Air Force member, Chuck had the opportunity to spend his youth living all around the world. Shortly after birth, his family was transferred to Tripoli, Libya where his two sisters (Diane and Christy) were born. His brother (Thomas) was born not long afterward when their family was based in Ft. Dix, NJ in 1957. The family continued to travel the globe, living in places such as Izmir and Ankara, Turkey and Naples, Italy. Chuck attended high school while living in Italy, and continued to have fond memories of his time there for the rest of his life. His father retired after 22 years of service in the military at his final post on Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, CO. Chuck continued to live in the greater Denver area for the remainder of his life.

In 1976, Chuck married Elizabeth "Liz," and they had two daughters (Laura and Robyn). Though they divorced after 24 years of marriage, Chuck and Liz were once again reunited at the end of 2002 when Chuck's second major heart failure event left him unable to work or live on his own. Liz continued to be his caregiver, companion, and friend until the day he died. During the last few years of his life, Chuck's daughter (Robyn) and granddaughter (Olivia) also lived with Liz and Chuck, so he was able to be surrounded by even more family on a daily basis.

During his working life, Chuck excelled in a banking career for approximately 14 years, and in new car sales for approximately 15 years, ending his career with Rickenbaugh Cadillac Volvo. Even though he could no longer work after December, 2002, Chuck continued to use the valuable skills he learned in those industries to help family and friends when they were purchasing vehicles or needed financial advice.

With a great laugh, an intelligent mind, a knack for storytelling, and a great heart for family and friends, Chuck (who in his later years reverted back to be called Charles) was well-loved by all. His love of music carried through all the years of his life. He played the trumpet, drums and guitar, and loved to sing. Whether playing in a band, attending concerts, or jamming to his favorite CDs at home, music was an enormous source of happiness for him. The other major source of happiness was being with his family. He enjoyed visiting his eldest daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons in Wisconsin (Laura, Jeff, Andrew, Kyle), often spending weeks at a time with them. He was a great source of support and company to his parents as his father battled Alzheimer's. Although Chuck's heart failed him in the end, the love it contained will stick with his loved ones forever.

Preceding Chuck in death were his father Pete, and sister Christy Mourning. Chuck is survived by his mother, Myrna; sister, Diane Mourning Brown; brother, Thomas Mourning; former wife and lifelong companion, Liz; daughters, Laura (Jeff) Hartman and Robyn Mourning; former son-in-law, Sterling Rel; grandsons, Andrew and Kyle Hartman; granddaughter, Olivia Rel; nephews, Justin (Tiffany) Mourning and Haden Gupton; nieces Tenlie Mourning and Savannah Brown; and a host of extended family members and friends.

The family would like to thank the entire team of medical staff at the Cardiac and Vascular Center at University of Colorado Hospital for their longstanding efforts to keep Chuck healthy. In recognition of these efforts, and in memory of Chuck, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to University of Colorado Hospital Foundation, 2400 S. Peoria St. #8, Aurora, CO 80014, 303-752-8120 or given online at www.uch.thankyou4caring.org with the designation: Cardiac and Vascular Center.

To share a memory of Charles or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.