Charles Ray Ribble

Charles R. Ribble, age 87, went to be with the Lord December 4, 2010. Born in Roxton, Texas, December 2, 1923, son of the late Ben Harrison Ribble and Hazel Rue Ribble, Charles grew up in Dallas, Texas with his three brothers, Ben Jr., Richard and Billy Joe. They formed the band, The Humdingers, where Charles played trombone and helped support his family during the Great Depression years. The Humdingers were invited to play matinees on the Ted Lewis program at the Majestic in Dallas, Texas, state fairs and later traveled on the road.

After graduating in 1941 from Terrill Preparatory School for Boys in Dallas, he served in the 222nd division of the Army Air Force during World War II as a radio operator and played trombone in the Army Air Force orchestra. He was honored by receiving the American Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After returning from the war, he attended Southern Methodist University.

Charles became a member of the Mike H. Thomas Masonic Lodge #1314, Dallas Texas, in 1952 where he remained a member for 58 years receiving the 50 year service award in 2001. On a date arranged by a mutual friend, Charles met Patsye Ann Cook. They married on August 18, 1944 and were devoted to each other for 66 years. Charles and Patsye Ribble relocated to Houston, Texas in 1952 where they raised their three daughters, Rita Rue, Rozanne Renee, and Rhonda Rae.

Charlie worked as an electrical engineer in the Engineering and Construction field, retiring from Brown & Root after 28 years of service. Among many accomplishments during those years, he helped design the command center at NASA and the South Texas Nuclear Power Plant. While working during the day as an engineer, he also moonlighted as a professional musician on nights and weekends playing his trombone for Ed Gerlach’s orchestra, Buddy Brock’s orchestra and others in the Houston area playing for many famous singers and comedians when performing in Houston.

Even though Charles was a very hard working man, he always had time for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was adored by all including his beloved dog Cleo.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Patsye; daughter Rita Parsons and husband George, granddaughters Laura Torres and husband Tomas and Lynda Scayola and husband Marcelo and great grandchildren Brooks Blanton and Alexis Scayola; daughter Rozanne Ribble, granddaughters Rachael Padalino and husband John, Megan Smith and Erin Juarez and husband Paul and great grandchildren Lucius and Fiona Padalino, Carli Smith and Nicholas and Charles Juarez; and daughter Rhonda Strimple and her dog Tessie. Charles was predeceased by his brothers Ben Jr., Richard, and Billy Joe.

Charlie was a loving husband, father, granddad, great granddad, brother and friend with a strong mind, heart of gold, and a sneaky sense of humor. He will be sorely missed but is happy with the Lord and was warmly greeted by his Mom and Dad and brothers. Sleep warm Daddy.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 until 10 PM Thursday, December 9th at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway.

A funeral service will be held Friday, December 10th at 3 PM at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Road, Houston. Burial will follow in Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Memorial guestbook and extended biography and tribute available online at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com.