Charles E. "Charlie" Frey, 85, went to be with our Lord, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.

He was born Feb. 6, 1926, in Pierce City, Mo., the son of Peter J. and Helen E. Murphy Frey.

Charles was a WWII Navy veteran. He retired in 1987 as general sales manager and member of the board of directors for Carey Salt Co., where he worked for 22 years. An active member of Church of the Holy Cross, he served as a lector, organizational director of the Dillons certificate program, perpetual adorer, and numerous other roles, including the Knights of Columbus. Other volunteer activities included the Reno County Food Bank, Hospice House, and RSVP. His volunteer service was recognized when he was designated as the Reno County torch bearer leading up to the 1996 Olympic Games.

On Sept. 3, 1947, he married Joan Dunham at Pierce City, Mo. After 50 years of marriage, she passed away on April 9, 1998.

Their children and spouses survive: three sons, Dennis Frey of Seattle, Wash., David and Debra Frey of Manhattan, Kan., Daniel and Annette Frey of Broken Arrow, Okla.; two daughters, Diana and Robin Bird of Dallas, Texas, Dorothy and Gary Kempf of Wilmore, Ky.; brother, William Frey of Pierce City, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Paul and Samantha Kempf, Faith Kempf, Danielle Bird, Kathryn and Greg Becht, Max Frey, Peter and Charity Frey, Theresa and Johnathan Pettibone, Amanda Frey, Andrew Frey; and three great-grandchildren, Aidan Frey, Alexis Frey, and Eva Becht.

On March 13, 1999, Charles married Lois Jean Davis in Hutchinson. She survives along with her children and spouses: Craig and Donna Davis of Hutchinson, Terry and Sheila Davis of Wichita, Jill and Greg DeGregorio of Broomfield, Colo.; grandchildren, Casey and Codey Davis, Seth and Jodi Davis, Jennifer Davis, Tyler Davis, Davis DeGregorio, Emily DeGregorio; and a great-grandchild, Cole Davis.

Praying of the Rosary will be 6 p.m., followed by an informal celebration of his life in the church lower level on Friday, April 29, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., followed by a brunch at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2011, both at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, with Father Joseph Eckberg, celebrant. Private burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the church, in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence for Charlie's family.