Charles Giebler Biography
Charles Giebler was a well known figure in Florence, Colorado. He served as mayor, ran businesses, and led in his community. Born in 1960, he moved to Colorado in 1992 and built a life there. People saw him as a helpful leader who owned a funeral home, a restaurant, and a guitar shop. He also worked as a pastor and helped with local events. His story includes both good works and later questions about a sad event in 2012.
Giebler lived in a small town with about 4,000 people. Florence is in southern Colorado, known for its history and quiet life. He became part of the town quickly. As mayor, he worked on city council and helped plan festivals. He volunteered for tree planting and holiday decorations. His work touched many lives. But in 2012, a murder case linked to him changed how some saw him. He died soon after, in 2013, before full answers came out. Today, documentaries in 2025 look back at his life. This shows his story still interests people.
To learn about Giebler, think about his roles. He was a mortician, which means he helped families with funerals. He owned Charles Anthony Funeral Home. He also baked goods at his restaurant and sold guitars. As a pastor, he led church services. These jobs made him busy and respected. But his personal ties added layers to his story. He had a close partner, Anthony Wright, who shared his businesses. Their bond was private at first. This article covers his early years, work, home life, tough times, and what remains. It aims to teach about real people in small towns and how events can change views.
Charles Giebler Early Life
Charles Joseph Giebler was born on March 3, 1960. His birthplace was East Springfield in Erie County, Pennsylvania. This area is rural, with farms and small communities. His parents were Marlin Giebler and Joyce Giebler, later known as Joyce Kasper Thigpen after remarriage. He had a sister named Faye Belflower. Family life in Pennsylvania shaped his early years. They lived in a place with strong community ties, which may have influenced his later work in helping others.
In school, Giebler attended Northwestern High School in Albion, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1978. High school there focused on basic education, with classes in math, English, and science. Students often joined clubs or sports. Though details on his activities are few, he likely learned skills for future jobs. After school, he explored interests like baking and collecting items. These hobbies stayed with him.
Pennsylvania in the 1960s and 1970s had a mix of industry and farming. Erie County is near Lake Erie, with cold winters and green summers. Families like his might have worked in local jobs. His upbringing taught values like hard work and kindness. These helped when he moved west. In 1992, at age 32, he left Pennsylvania for Colorado. This move started a new chapter. He went with Anthony Wright, a key person in his life.
Charles Giebler Career
Giebler’s career began after his move to Florence, Colorado, in 1992. He teamed up with Anthony Wright to start businesses. Their first was Charles Anthony Funeral Home. This place helped families plan burials and services. As morticians, they handled bodies with care and supported grieving people. The job needs training in embalming and counseling. They built trust in the town.
Next, they opened Mainstreet Grille and Bakery. This spot served food like sandwiches and baked goods. Giebler enjoyed baking, often making items late at night. Customers liked the fresh treats. It added to local economy by creating jobs. Then came Smashing Good Guitars, a shop for music items. This showed his interest in hobbies beyond work.
In public service, Giebler joined the city council as Ward 2 member. Later, he became mayor of Florence. As mayor, he led meetings and planned town growth. He served on the San Juan Bautista Cemetery Association board. He was president there too. He volunteered as a Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts, teaching kids skills like camping. He helped with community events, such as festivals and tree planting. For holidays, he set up decorations to make the town festive.
Giebler also worked in faith roles. He became an ordained bishop and pastor at St. Mary Catholic Church. He led services and shared messages like “Love one another.” As a hospice chaplain, he comforted sick people and families. This tied to his funeral work, offering full support.
His businesses and roles made him a key person in Florence. The town has about 4,000 residents, so leaders like him matter a lot. He was Chamber of Commerce president, boosting local shops. His efforts helped revive downtown areas. People recall him as busy and active.
To understand his career, think about small town jobs. Mayors handle budgets and safety. Morticians need licenses and empathy. Bakers create joy with food. Giebler’s mix of roles shows versatility.
Charles Giebler Personal Life
Giebler’s personal life included hobbies and close ties. He liked boating on water and shooting at ranges. He collected cars and guns as a hobby. Restoring old items brought him joy. Baking was a big part, done even at 1 a.m. for fresh goods. These activities helped him relax from busy days.
His closest bond was with Anthony Wright. They met before moving to Colorado. In Florence, they said they were half brothers sharing a mother. But later facts showed they were romantic partners. They kept this private for years. In a small town, this choice might stem from wanting to fit in. They lived together and shared businesses. Their home was at 430 East 3rd Street in Florence.
Family included his parents, sister Faye, and others like Bobbie Jo Thigpen and brother Rowdy Thigpen. He stayed connected to them. No records show he had children. His life focused on work and community.
In rural Colorado in the 1990s, private lives could face judgment. Keeping relationships quiet was common then. This adds context to his choices. Hobbies like collecting show personal interests beyond public roles. Readers can learn about balance in life. Close partnerships support success, as with Wright.
Charles Giebler Sad News
In 2012, sad events linked to Giebler. On October 12, 2012, Byron Griffy, age 76, was found shot in his Fowler farmhouse. No forced entry, and the scene looked staged. Griffy knew Giebler and Wright. They planned to meet for lunch that day. Griffy had given them valuables like coins, gold, and silver to store in their basement safe. Disputes over these items became a motive in the probe.
Otero County Sheriff’s Department and Colorado Bureau of Investigation looked into it. They found lies about timelines, cars, and guns. Searches at the funeral home found some items, but not all. Giebler and Wright became suspects. The town was shocked, as they were seen as brothers and leaders.
Wright faced trial in 2015, but the jury could not decide. In 2017, he pleaded guilty as accessory to first degree murder. He got 24 years, later on probation. Giebler did not face charges. He died before arrest.
On January 25, 2013, an employee found Giebler dead at home. He was 52. Autopsy showed coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart. No foul play. This came three months after Griffy’s death. The town felt big shock.
A memorial happened on February 16, 2013, at Florence High School. People wore casual clothes and shared stories of his kindness. Tributes called him gentle and caring.
Conclusion
Charles Giebler’s life mixed service and questions. From Pennsylvania roots to Colorado leader, he built businesses and helped his town. As mayor, pastor, and business owner, he touched lives. His partnership with Wright added depth. The 2012 case and his 2013 death left marks.
His legacy is mixed. Some recall good works, like festivals and baking. Others think of the probe. Documentaries in 2025, like “The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder” on Investigation Discovery, aired November 26, 2025, share his story again. Another from Los Angeles seeks resident views. These keep his name known.
FAQs
What was Charles Giebler’s birth date and place?
He was born on March 3, 1960, in East Springfield, Pennsylvania.
Where did Charles Giebler go to school?
He graduated from Northwestern High School in Albion, Pennsylvania, in 1978.
What businesses did Charles Giebler own?
He co owned Charles Anthony Funeral Home, Mainstreet Grille and Bakery, and Smashing Good Guitars in Florence, Colorado.
What public roles did Charles Giebler have?
He served as Florence mayor, city council member, pastor, hospice chaplain, and Scoutmaster.
Who was Anthony Wright to Charles Giebler?
They were romantic partners who presented as half brothers and shared businesses.
What happened in the Byron Griffy case?
Byron Griffy was shot on October 12, 2012. Giebler and Wright were suspects due to stored valuables and disputes.
How did Charles Giebler die?
He died on January 25, 2013, from coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy.
What happened to Anthony Wright?
He pleaded guilty as accessory to murder in 2017 and is on probation.
Are there documentaries about Charles Giebler?
Yes, “The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder” aired in 2025 on Investigation Discovery.
What legacy did Charles Giebler leave?
He is remembered for community service but also the 2012 case questions.