Charles Eugene Rice

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Aug. 21, 1926 - March 31, 2009

HAYES CENTER -- Charles Eugene Rice, of Erie, Colo., formerly of Hayes Center, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at Balfour Hospice Center in Lafayette, Colo. He was 82 years old.

Charles was born Aug. 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 U.S. Army Air Corps on Jan. 20, 1946, and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 23, 1947.

He was united in marriage to Ilah M. Lawson on Nov. 27, 1947, at Yuma, Colo. 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 and brother in law, Court Fielding of Hayes Center.

Survivors include his wife, Ilah Rice of Erie; son, Donald Rice and wife, Merri of Watkins, Colo.; daughter, Judy Sinkey and husband, Barry of Boulder, Colo.; sister, Lillian Fielding of Hayes Center; brother, Phil Rice and wife, Ruby of Ponca City, Okla.; four grandchildren, Heidi Bath and husband, John of Denver, Colo., David Sinkey and wife, Christy of Lafayette, Colo., Michael Sinkey of Boulder, Colo., and Jason Sinkey of Boulder, Colo.; three great-grandchildren, Faye Ann and Zane Bath, Georgia Sinkey; and a fourth great-grandchild expected in May.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Friday until 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Friends and family may go on-line to www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Funeral service will be Saturday, April 4, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at Hayes Center Union Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock officiating. Burial will be in the Hayes Center Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.