On Sunday, November 4, 1951, Charles Lee Ritter was born in a bilingual home in Ville Platte, La. His childhood and teen years were happy and typical of small-town Acadiana. He was a graduate of Ville Platte High, class of 1969.
At the age of 18, Charles Lee was inducted into the US Army and served with an engineer battalion in support of the 23rd Infantry Division and 101st Infantry Division (Air Mobile) in the Republic of South Vietnam.
After his service time, Charles Lee worked construction and, in 1978, started his electrical apprenticeship with PPG Industries. After 37 years of dedicated service, he retired and was an active member of Machinist Union Local 407.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Lee and Bonnie Fontenot Ritter, and his younger sister, Peggy Teresa Ritter.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Peavy Ritter, who was his faithful hiking, kayaking and traveling companion of almost 40 years. Also surviving him is his daughter, Tami Chrisope of Lake Charles, La.
He is survived by his grandchildren, Ethan Freehling (Magan), Rayne, La., Hannah Mak, Cameron, Mo. and Isaac Freehling, Lake Charles, La. He spent two years with his first great-grandchild, Maggie Leigh Freehling, Rayne, La., who made him smile every day.
His sibling survivors are Donnie Ritter (Kaye) Vinton, La., Paula Guillory (Pat) Ville Platte, La., Phyllis LaFleur of Estherwood, La., Craig Ritter of Owasso, Ok., Kelli Buller (Lucas) Ville Platte, La., Bo Ritter of Reddel, La. and Chad Ritter (Lisa) Mereaux, La.
Charles Lee occupied his free time gardening, running, painting and reading history books. He had a photographic memory and could remember everything he had ever read. Family was very important to him, as were his friends. He lived his life simple, by today's standards, and tried to be fair and caring at all times. He never put himself first and leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those that love him.
Visitation will be held at Hixson Lake Charles North Chapel on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 2:00pm.
Services will be held at 3:00pm following visitation.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.jehixson.com
