Charles "Charley" Arthur Fritts

Charles Arthur Fritts, son of Rollins and Peggy Eckman Fritts, was born July 4, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri and departed this life April 3, 2023, at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of sixty-six. He attended school in Marshfield, Missouri, graduating in 1974. Charley attended Vo-tech and received his certification in welding. Charley made a profession of faith and followed with baptism on October 31, 2010. He was a faithful and greatly beloved member of First Baptist Church of Richland. On August 3, 1974 Charley was married to Joyce Ann Zeigenbein, in Marshfield, and to this marriage two daughters were born, Kimberly and Amy. Together they shared over forty-eight years of love and laughter as they walked through life hand in hand. Charley had a contagious smile and was a friend to all. He always made everyone feel welcome. He was an unselfish man, always wanting success for everyone and enjoyed celebrating alongside them in their successes. Charley’s family were his heart and soul…his greatest treasures, especially his beloved grandkids who were his absolute pride and joy. There were many things that brought immense pleasure and fun to Charley during his lifetime. He loved fishing and floating on the Gasconade, crappie fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks, collecting Case knives, going to, and participating in the thrill of tractor pulls just to name a few. He enjoyed playing cards and had a way of coming out on top of each game. Above all his greatest memories were those made with, and alongside his family. Charley was a man of many talents. He was the owner of Charley’s Shell Station, here in Richland. Charley also drove a truck for many years before becoming the owner of Fritts Trucking, hauling cattle for several years. He then converted his Peterbilt into a dump truck and hauled rock. Charley later became RHS’s janitor before transferring to the Transportation Director, where he later retired from. Charley took great pride in his work whatever the task and was meticulous about each and every detail. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his father-in-law, Alfred Zeigenbein, brothers-in-laws: Gary, Larry, and Don Zeigenbein; and his faithful four-legged friend, Ruby. Charley was a friend to all and leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Joyce Fritts of their home in Richland; two daughters: Kimberly Latham and her husband, Richard, and Amy Payne and her husband, Alex, all of Richland, MO; 5 grandchildren: Brittany and Abby Latham, Madeline, Jack, and Jordan Payne; two brothers: Rollins “Gene” Fritts, and Bill Fritts and his wife, Becky, all of Richland, MO; his mother-in-law: Dorothy Zeigenbein of Richland, MO; Uncle Dale Malone and his wife, Donna of Del Rio, Texas; his brothers-in-law: Danny Zeigenbein, Greg Zeigenbein, and his wife, Julie; sisters-in-law: Shirley, Wendy, Cindy, and Teresa Zeigenbein; several nieces, nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. Charley’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he knew and loved. Services for Charley Fritts were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 7, 2023, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with officiating Pastor Matt Brady and speaker, Doug Smith. Pianist/Soloist, Becky Lercher sang “In The Garden,” and also accompanied soloist, Gilbert Crismon as he sang, “Peace In The Valley,” and “Last Mile Of The Way.” Vince Gill’s recorded song “Go Rest High On That Mountain” was also played. Serving as escorts were Steven, Trent, and Dillon Zeigenbein, Tracy Davenport, Morris Decker, and Tyler Martin. Honorary escorts included Dennis and Elmer Dean Hutton, Greg, and Danny Zeigenbein, Junior Starnes, Rex Wall, Sam, Kenny, and Louie Parker. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Charley Fritts and may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Charles "Charley" Arthur Fritts

July 4, 1956 - April 3, 2023