C. M. "Charlie" Holbert, First Park Custodian Dies at 86.

[South Mountain Richard Notes: C. M. Holbert was the first Park Custodian and went by "Charlie"]

"AZR", February 6, 1948

Park Supporter Rites Arranged

C. M. Holbert, for whom funeral services are scheduled at 2 p. m. today at A. L. Moore and Sons chapel, was one of the original workers to preserve South Mountain Park as a historical monument and municipal park, his daughter, Mrs. John L. Deorle, Phoenix, said yesterday.

First custodian of the park, Holbert, 86 years old, retired in 1939, but spent most of his 23 years here in exploring and roaming the South Mountain area, which he "loved", she said.

Many of the stories and letters to the editor based on park subjects were printed in The Arizona Republic over a period of years.

Mr. Holbert, who died Saturday in his home, 35 West Southgate avenue, will be buried in Double Butte Cemetery, Tempe.

Editor's note: Picture taken 6/11/2008 at Tempe Double Butte Cemetery.