Christopher Sam Charles

Christopher Sam Charles, age 30, beloved Son, Brother and Uncle, peacefully drew his last breath with his family by his side at home, on September 28, 2021.

SPC Charles, honorably discharged from Fort Drum, NY. Military honors were held on October 2nd in Holbrook, Arizona. Chris was born March 9, 1991, in Phoenix, Az to Sam and Sarah Charles. Christopher’s clan is a Kinyaa'áanii" (Towering House), born for 'Áshiihíí (Salt People Clan), Tsénjíkiní (Cliff Dweller) and Naakaii Dine'é (Mexican). He is survived by his parents; Sisters, Valencia Jean Yazzie and Virginia Kanuho; Aunt Dorothy Bates-Bradley (Dean), cousin, Shaun Bates; nieces, Alyssa Charles, Nova & Arya Navejar and nephews, Marcus Charles, Mario Navejar, Jr and Isaac Coochwikvia. 

Christopher had two good friends Cody Smith & Adan Gardea, who were also his brothers at heart. Chris had four step-siblings, Donavan & Jonathan Charles (Kimberly Claw), Nicole (Keith) & Deanna Charles and Autumn, Presley, Aden and Dylan (nieces & nephew). 

Chris attended John F. Long for kindergarten, Holiday Park for elementary, Desert Sand JR Hi and Trevor G Brown HS. Chris joined Cub Scouts and bridged into Boy Scouts (Troop 669).  He enjoyed camping out, also stayed at camp Geronimo along with Cody & Robert. One summer Chris and two of his friends left for the National Scout Jamboree for a month; that was his first plane ride to Fort Lee, Virginia. Chris was working toward his Eagle Scout, but time ran out on him. Though Chris received his Order of Arrow at Camp Geronimo. 

Charles graduated from Trevor G Browne.  During his HS years Chris joined JROTC, he enjoyed his HS exhibitions rifle Drill and competing along with his friends….spinning that rifle. His drill team went to Dayton, Fl for a National drill team competition. His 2nd plane ride. Chris would say my friends are all Nerds, his way of saying all my friends are smart. Hey Charles! (Nickname) I would hear his friends call out. Chris friends, hanging out at the house, playing games or Challenging each other on guitar hero, sleeping in his room, every which way. He would invite his friends at family party, whatever made him happy, is what we wanted. After 4yrs of JROTC at Trevor, his friends were enlisting into the service. Chris was very impressed and that's what he wanted to do is enlist into the Army.

A year later he took the military oath; I was with my son and stood so proud and very happy for him. At the airport we both waited with him, the absence of him leaving us, was already tugging at my heart. I kept reassuring myself, it’s only for 4years. Chris boarded his plane, as he taxied out, we watch the plane coming down the runway and taking off. Chris left for his basic training to Fort Jackson, NC, after attending his graduation from basic training, and on to his AIT to Fort Lee, Virginia. Chris's duty station was in Fort Drum, NY. We visit him for two weeks, traveled to NYC one weekend and the following week to Nigeria Falls NY.  

Chris attended UTI in Avondale, received his Associates of Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology II and some college classes at Glendale community college. After his training as a mechanic, Chris worked at Sanderson Ford, Showcase Honda and Amazon after HS. 

Chris loved going to the movies, UFC fights, Cardinal games #11, going to Kanye, Bonjovi and others concert. Loved teasing his niece Alyssa, loved joking with family members and friends. Chris had no mean streak in him, reserved and well-mannered. 

I can’t comprehend what happen, to our son, our brother, an uncle. My only son, my love, my baby, my sweetheart, I will always miss you Son, l will miss your note saying mom I cooked breakfast for you on Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day.  Ayóó Ánííníshní shi awéé.. God will be with you, until we meet again.