Lamonte Ray Charles

LaMonte Ray Charles, age 77, of Rigby, passed away Thursday, April 14th 2016. He was born January 11th 1939 in Wendell, Idaho a son of Howard Charles and Estella Gambles Charles. He grew up and attended schools in Bancroft, graduating from North Gem High School. He enjoyed sports and enjoyed sports and was a high school All American basketball player. He played football in high school and at Utah State University. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961 serving until 1963. He was a member of the American Legion. He married Darlene Sands in 1963, they later divorced. Throughout his life he worked in construction. He worked for H&K Construction for 24 years throughout the intermountain area as a chief estimator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling to Mexico, stock market and bargain shopping. He was a member of the L.D.S. Church. He is survived by two daughters, Charlene Charles Johnson of Rigby, Monica Charles of Las Vegas, Nevada, a son Wade (Colleen) Charles of Rigby a sister Connie (Bob) Vanderschans of Idaho Falls, Idaho, a brother Clyde (Teddae) Charles of North Salt Lake, Utah, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Tammy Jo Cross and a brother Rudy Charles. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby. The family will visit with friends Saturday before services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.