ELKHART — Charles L. Kryder, 73, a lifelong resident of Elkhart, passed away Saturday evening, Dec. 6, at his home. He is now at peace.

Charles was born Feb. 2, 1941, in Elkhart, to the late Charles I. and Maxine (Alwine) Kryder.

He married Sandra B. Vandygriff on July 7, 1962, in Elkhart.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra; son Charles (Lorrie) Kryder Jr. of Shipshewana; his daughter Deborah (David) Frey of Elkhart; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren and eight great-stepgrandchildren; and a sister Gloria (Phil) Blosser of Littleton, Colo.

Charles was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on Dec. 31, 1959.

Chuck worked in the RV industry, countertops, and was a supervisor at Custom Fabricators for almost 20 years, when he retired from there to open his own business, Kryder's Mower Repair, in 1987. He sold the business to Jim Anderson in 1999, and semi-retired, before working part-time at Double T Countertops, beginning in late 1999, and fully retired on Aug. 6, 2008.

Chuck spent many years racing. He sold his stock car to buy a quarter midget, and started his son, Charles Jr., racing at the age of six. They went from racing quarter midgets to mini champs, full midget, and sprint cars, until USAC outlawed their midget. Charles was an avid NASCAR and Notre Dame fan.

Friends and family of Charles may call from 10 a.m. until the start of the noon funeral service Thursday, Dec. 11, at Grace Bible Church, 54230 C.R. 5, Elkhart. Pastor Mike Fisher will officiate. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Please direct any memorials for Charles to the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart.

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