William Robert "Bob" Ritchey, age 85, former Chief of Police and long-time director of the Department of Public Safety for the City of Charleston, died Sunday, July 5, 2020, at his home in Charleston, MO.

Born July 24, 1934, at Gideon, MO, to the late William "Bill" Ritchey and Iva Lape Ritchey Payne, he grew up in rural Stoddard County until moving to St. Louis in 1959.  While living in St. Louis, he worked for the Kisco Fan Company.  He moved to Texas for a while then returned to St. Louis where he was employed with Renwood Foods and the Ladue Police Department.  In 1972, he and his family moved to Charleston where he became the Chief of Police for the City of Charleston, holding that position four years.  He then became the Director of Public Safety for the City of Charleston and served over 38 years until his retirement.   He was a member of the Chapel by the Lake where he served as a lay speaker, taught Sunday school and played the bass guitar.

On December 25, 1951, he married Shirley May Patterson, who survives of the home.

Also surviving are his children, Robert Stephen Ritchey and Brenda Elanie Griggs; grandchildren, Constance Jo Anna "Connie" Gaich and Casey Renee' Barton; great grandchildren, Robert Preston Ritchey, Amia Shiann Griggs and Pierce Joseph Barton; his brothers, Alvin O. Payne, Jr. and Charles Payne; sister, Brenda Westmorland; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Sara Michelle Holmes and Lauren Ray Griggs; his brother, Hubert Lee Ritchey and his sister, Ruth Atchley.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at noon, Friday, July 10, 2020, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.  Nick Simmons, pastor of Chapel by the Lake, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Taylor Cemetery near Essex under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com