Charles Richard Fritz, 70, of Selma, IN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2009 in the presence of his family. He was born on May 25, 1939 in Muncie, IN to the late Charles H. Fritz and A. Marian (Maitlen) Gray. Charles was raised by his Dad, Charles A. Gray.
Charles attended Muncie Central High School. He later obtained his Master''s Degree from Ball State University. Charles was employed as a teacher and a gymnastics coach at East Leyden High in Franklin Park, IL for 5 years. Charles also taught at John F. Kennedy High in Anaheim, CA for 10 years. Charles then bought his own business and operated Sunset Landing RV Park in Bullhead City, AZ for 20 years.
In addition to Charles'' professional career, he had a love for gymnastics which started at the local YMCA at a young age. He obtained such a scholarship to Ball State University. Charles is listed in Ball State University''s Hall of Fame for gymnastics as well as Delaware County''s Hall of Fame for gymnastics. His love of gymnastics also made him an assistant coach at Ball State. Charles loved to rock hunt in the foothills of the Arizona mountain''s. As well, he liked to explore the Mojave Desert and hike in the mountains. Charles also loved to swing dance.
Surviving relatives include brothers Jerry L. Fritz (wife Mary) of Grove City, OH; William A. Gray (wife Mary Ann) of Yorktown, IN; James H. Fritz (wife Janice) of Muncie, IN; and Robert J. Gray (wife Karen) of Galloway, OH; sisters Shirley A. Mullican (husband Harry) of Hendersonville, NC; Janet K. Heath (husband Joe) of Selma, IN; Dixie S. McGuire of Muncie, IN; and Nancy C. Conway (husband Don) of Bradenton, FL; aunts Virginia Mauck of Muncie, IN; and June Zimmerman of Decatur, IN; uncle Tom Maitlen of North Vernon, IN; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Charles was preceded in death by his Mother and Dad.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. following visitation at Garden View Funeral Home 10501 North State Road 3 Muncie, IN. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Muncie. If you would like to sign the online guest book and send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.