Obituary of Charles PIKE

Charles G. Pike, M/Sgt (Ret) , 75, of Fort Mohave, AZ; formerly of Gilbert, AZ; passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, March 14, 2005. He was born on November 13, 1929 in Brockton, MA; to Francis E. Pike and Ellen T. (McCarthy) Pike. Charlie attended Brockton schools and entered the U.S. Air Force, serving 26 years. He supervised the installation and manufacturing of parachutes and pioneered some of the new innovations in safety and technology. He served in Vietnam and was based in the Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. Charlie was devoted to his family and loving wife Laquita "Joy" Pike. He enjoyed crafts, woodworking and was an avid Nascar fan, attending races throughout the country. Charlie is survived by his wife Laquita "Joy" Pike, sons Gregory, Jonathon, Alexander and their families, his brother Philip J. Pike of Lake Havasu City, AZ; as well as his pets, Tara and Tony. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Diana Branson, brothers Frances, Henry, Russell, sister Carol Mary Ellen and grandson Matthew Ryba.Scripture services will be held at Lietz-Fraze Chapel, Lake Havasu City, AZ; on Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. with a visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Deacon Gilbert Lopez will be officiating. Burial will be at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, NV; on Friday, March 18, 2005 at noon with full military honors presented by Nellis Air Force Base. Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.