Charles Eugene Rice
August 21, 1926 — March 31, 2009
Charles Eugene Rice, of Erie, Colorado, formerly of Hayes Center, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Balfour Hospice Center in Lafayette, Colorado. He was 82 years old.
Charles was born on August 21, 1926 in Holbrook to Walter A. and Bessie M. (Albrecht) Rice. He graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1943. After his graduation, he entered the US Army Air Corps on January 20th, 1946 and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on August 23, 1947.
He was united in marriage to Ilah M. Lawson on November 27th, 1947, at Yuma, Colorado. To this union two children were born, Donald and Judy. They made their home in the Hayes Center community where Charles farmed. They later move to Colorado in 1953 where he was employed as a machinist for Coors. He was also an assembly superintendent for Mine & Smelter and followed his passion for cars by auto detailing with Country Ford through his retirement.
He was a member of The Elks 1434, The American Legion post 287, The Masonic Lodge of Palisade and the Eagles.
Hobbies included craftsmen woodworking, listening to music, dancing on a slick floor, family fishing and grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Walter and Bessie Rice; brother in law Court Fielding of Hayes Center. Survivors include his wife, Ilah Rice of Erie, CO; son Donald Rice & wife Merri of Watkins, CO; daughter, Judy Sinkey & husband Barry of Boulder, CO; sister, Lillian Fielding of Hayes Center, NE; brother Phil Rice & wife Ruby of Ponca City, OK. Four grand children, Heidi Bath & Husband John of Denver, CO; David Sinkey & wife Christy of Lafayette, CO; Michael Sinkey of Boulder, CO; and Jason Sinkey of Boulder, CO. three great-grand children: Faye Ann & Zane Bath, Georgia Sinkey and a fourth great-grandchild expected in May.
Memorials were to be given in his name.
Funeral service were Saturday, April 4, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at the Hayes Center Union Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock officiating. Burial took in the Hayes Center Cemetery.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements.