Charles Benjamin Rich, beloved husband, father and grandfather, departed this life on Monday, January, 15, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born July 19, 1925 in Springfield, Missouri where he lived his entire life. He was preceded in death by his parents Julia Bothe Rich and Benjamin Harrison Rich; and his wife Jo Ann Bracken Rich. Charles attended Greenwood Laboratory School, where he was elected as the very first Sir Greenwood in 1944. He excelled at sports; lettering in football, basketball and track. He was a member of the 1942 state basketball championship team. Charles was allowed to graduate Greenwood early so that he could enlist in the Air Corps during World War II. He was part of what is known as the "greatest generation". He was the head gunner on the B-29, but a crash during training delayed his deployment and the war ended before he was assigned overseas missions. Returning home, he attended Southwest Missouri State Teachers College for two years. In 1946, he married the love of his life, Jo Ann Bracken at Grace Methodist Church. They were active members of the church and were MYF leaders for many years and members of the Co-Wed class, where they made numerous lifelong friendships. They also attended Westminster Presbyterian Church and Trinity Lutheran Church. Charles and Jo Ann were married 60 years. Charles joined his father, Ben Rich and his uncle, Willie Rich, owners of Crescent Feed Company in 1946. Upon Ben's retirement, he purchased his father's ownership of the mill and under his leadership expanded the mill into the pellet business, allowing the business to grow while many other independent feed companies were closing. In the 90's Charles and his son Steve became sole owners of Crescent. As a businessman, Charles was known for his integrity, hard work and for manufacturing a quality product. Charles was a man of deep faith in God, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a valued and loyal friend. He always had a smile, never met anyone that he could not strike up a conversation with, had a great sense of humor and zest for life. He loved his "cabin" on Tablerock Lake, traveling the United States and the world with his family and Jo Ann, driving his Model A. and sitting out each evening with his beloved dogs Buddy and Cooper waving to each and every person that drove or walked by his home. His greatest joy and priority was his family. He was most proud of his five grandchildren. The qualities of faith, honesty, humility, humor, optimism, love of family that Charles exemplified in his life, were such an example for his children and grandchildren and everyone who knew him. Charles is survived by his daughter, Nancy Rich Gordon and husband, James Charles Gordon, Houston, Texas; son Steven Bracken Rich and wife Julie Neely Rich, Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren, Ryan David Gordon, Scott Aron Gordon, Matthew Charles Gordon, Houston, Texas; Amy Rich Brown and husband Brian Brown. Springfield, Missouri; Emily Kathryn Rich and fiancée, James Freeman, St. Louis, Missouri; brother, Paul Frederick Rich and wife, Nancy Robertson Rich, Springfield, Missouri; and nieces and nephews Mark Frederick Rich, Kimberling City, Missouri, and daughter Courtney Rich Linsky and husband Matt, Washington, D.C.; Gregory Scott Rich and wife, Karen, and children Will and Abbey, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Ann Rich Truex and husband Tim, and daughter LIza, Springfield, Missouri; and many other relatives. The family would like to express their gratitude to all of Charles' caring neighbors in Spring Creek, most especially Carole Hutcheson, and the Howell, Herron, Hager, Montgomery and Burks families and to dear friend Art Brooks; Home Sweet Homecare, Richard and Andrea Eddy, Ramona Flannery, Christy Holmes, Vivian McKenzie and June Eady; Dr. Daniel Lyons; Dr. Thomas McClain; Dr. Sailesh Nayar and nurse Ann; and Dr. Joseph Hills; and to the nurses and doctors at Cox South Hospital, all who took such loving care of Charles. A visitation was held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor William R. Marler officiating. Pallbearers will be Brain Brown, James Freeman, James Gordon, Ryan Gordon, Scott Gordon, Matthew Gordon, Mark Rich, Greg Rich, and Tim Truex. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO, 65802, or Springfield Victory Mission, P.O. Box 2884, Springfield, MO 65801, or Texas Children's Hospital Heart Center Office of Development P.O. Box 300630 MC-5214, Houston, TX 77230-0630 or the charity of your choice.