Charles Ritchie

Charles "Claude" Ritchie, 80, Topeka, passed away Sun., Aug. 3, 2008, at Lexington Park Retirement Community.

He was born April 30, 1928, in Cuba, MO, the son of Lee Roy and Della (Cornman) Ritchie.

He graduated from SW Missouri State and the University of MO.

Charles served in the US Army as a Sgt. from June 1952-June 1954.

Claude married Shirley Hamilton on June 18, 1949, in Cuba, MO. She survives.

Mr. Ritchie's career included teaching and he was an Elementary School Principal in the Topeka Public Schools, retiring on Aug. 1, 1989, after 33 years of service.

He belonged to Countryside United Methodist Church.

Survivors include daughter, Leanna Raine and son, David Ritchie; sister, Dorothy Wilkinson; brother, Paul Ritchie; sister, Mary Stubblefield, and one grandson, Kyle Raine.

He was preceded in death by a brother John Ritchie.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 8 at Countryside United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Mr. Ritchie will lie in state after 2 p.m. Thurs. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Casket will remain closed. Visitation will be that evening from 7-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka 66611 or Heart of America Hospice, 5930 SW 29th St. Topeka 66614.