Charles Frederick Bader

Charles Frederick Bader, 79, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed peacefully of natural causes, Tuesday morning, June, 20, 2023.

Born in Blytheville, Arkansas, Charles lived as a resident of Colorado and New Mexico for most of his life. He was a graduate of Farmington High School, The University of New Mexico, and The Illif School of Theology. During his time in Farmington, New Mexico, Charles met the love of his life, Jackie L. (Beach) Bader, who in 2020 preceded him to heaven after a short, valiant battle with ALS.

After a career as a music educator for both private students and as an Albuquerque Public School music teacher, as well as years as a Christian music leader, and youth group director, Charles, and his family were called to pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church. Becoming an ordained minister in 1986, Charles, with the steadfast support of Jackie, founded Mesa View United Methodist Church in Northwest Albuquerque. Charles continued his work with the Methodist Church until his retirement in 2018. As a young man, Charles enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and camping, and was an Eagle Scout by the age of 14. Charles found joy and solace playing the guitar, piano, and string bass throughout his adult years. For many years he played, along with other gifted family members, in the San Juan Symphony and Roswell Symphony, among others. His love of classical music never waned, and he continued to be an avid listener in his later years. He also loved studying history and golfing with good friends and family whenever possible.

Charles was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Jackie; his beloved mother Virginia, and his father Lloyd; as well as his loving in-laws Jack and Kathy Beach. He is survived by brothers Bruce, William, Jon, and his half-brother Garin; as well as by his four children and their spouses, Devin and Jody, Demery and Scott, Drew and Amanda, and Damon and Amanda. His nine grandchildren, Amy, Elise, Jadin, Eli, Claire, Avery, Luke, Faith, and Odin, will remember their 'Papa' long after his passing.

Services will be held at a time and place to be announced at a later date, in the Albuquerque area. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The ALS Foundation in Charles' name.