Charles Edward "Charlie" Pace

Charles Edward Pace was born March 13, 1947, in Yakima, Washington, to Leon and Lelia (Polk) Pace. He graduated from Salem High School in 1965 and then attended John Brown University for two years. In 1970, Charlie received his bachelor's degree from Drury College and in 1974 he received his Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Southwest Missouri State University. Then in 1985, he received credit with the University of Missouri - Rolla in the Study of Computers.
On December 27, 1981, Charlie was united in marriage to Karen Yvonne Sippel. He was a devoted husband and loved creating a lifetime of memories filled with love and laughter. Charlie and Karen were perfect for each other and blessed with forty-two years of marriage together.
Charlie started his teaching career as a student teacher with Hillcrest High School. From 1970-1972, he taught math classes and served as Head Basketball Coach with Exeter High School, from 1972-1973, he taught math classes and served as Head Basketball Coach with Marion C. Early High School, 1973-1974, while finishing his Masters, he served as Men's Freshman basketball Coach and Head Women's Basketball Coach, as well as serving as an assistant to the Dean of Students at Drury College, from 1974-1975, he taught four classes of Algebra and served as Sophomore Counselor as well as Head Basketball Coach at Houston High School, from 1975-1977, he served as head of the Counseling Department at Republic Middle School, from 1979-1980, he taught math at Salem High School, from 1983-2002 he taught math and was head of the Computer Department at Salem High School, and from 1985-1996 he served as Adjunct Instructor with Southwest Baptist University, Salem Campus.
Charlie believed in his students and took great pride in lifting them up to reach their true potential. He was one of a kind, hardworking, fun, a great storyteller, and excellent teacher. In addition to his teaching career, Charlie owned and operated The Village Inn Motel serving the Salem Community from 1977-1987. He enjoyed time spent training his hunting dogs for their duck hunts, as well as deer hunting and fishing. His passion for basketball didn't end with his teaching career. He played for several Senior Olympic games and won a few.
Charlie has always had a servant's heart and was committed to serving his community. He was a longtime Rotarian of the Salem Rotary Club and Information Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension office. Above all, Charlie was a man on great faith and attended Salem First Baptist Church.
Charlie entered into eternal rest June 4, 2024, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of seventy-seven years. He is survived by his loving wife: Karen Pace of Salem, MO; sister: Sarah Taylor and husband Todd of St. Louis, MO; mother-in-law: Georgia Sippel of Kirkwood, MO; brothers-in-law: Rodney Sippel and wife Mary of Kirkwood, MO and Richard Sippel and wife Laurie of Montgomery City, MO; as well as several nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.
Preceding him in death were his father: Leon Pace; mother: Lelia (Polk) Pace Smith Cage; brother: Ray Evan Pace; and father-in-law: Bill Sippel.
Charlie will not only be remembered for his unique and friendly voice, but for the stories he shared about the good ole days. He will be forever missed.
Funeral Services for Charles Edward Pace were held Monday, June 10, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating and Todd Taylor sharing the eulogy. Song selections played were "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art". Serving as Pallbearers were his loving family and dear friends. Burial was in the Polk Memorial Cemetery, Ellington, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.
Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Charlie Pace to the Dent County Animal Welfare Society and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available.
Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com