Dodge City - Charles R. "Charley" Gripe, 87, died February 6, 2013 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains, Dodge City. He was born on January 25, 1926 at Thomas, Oklahoma, the son of Felix and Vesta (Gripe) Mathis.

Charles attended a country school before going to Thomas High School in Thomas, Oklahoma. He joined the United States Army during World War II, serving from 1944 to 1946 in the European Theatre. On December 9, 1944, he married Frances Spain in Thomas, Oklahoma. They moved to Dodge City where he was a mechanic for Rexroad Machinery. He was later a truck driver for several companies.

He was a member of the Christ the King Lutheran Church of Dodge City.

Charles is survived by his wife Frances Gripe, Dodge City; a son, Bobby Gripe of Dodge City; two daughters, Nancy Crosley of Henderson, Nevada and Rita Trebilcock and husband Larry of Baldwin City; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Dodge City, on Monday, February 11, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Kent Groethe presiding. Burial will follow at Christ The King Lutheran Cemetery in Ford County with military rites by Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Sunday, February 10, 2013 from from noon to 6:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.