Retired Lt. Col. Sidney A. Riches, 91-1/2, of Mountain Center, died Monday, May 15, 2006 of natural causes at Hemet Valley Medical Center.

Mr. Riches was born Dec. 13, 1914 in Superior, Wis. He served in the U.S. Army from 1940 until his retirement in 1968. He also owned a laundry business and was a member of the American Legion Post 800 in Idyllwild.

Services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31 at the Riverside National Cemetery. The Rev. Jerry Reynolds of St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church in Idyllwild will officiate.

Mr. Riches is survived by two sons, Sid (Mary) Riches of Mountain Center and George (Becky) Riches of Beaumont; a sister, Helen Nelson of Riverside; and one grandchild and a great-granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Fort McArthur Military Museum, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731.

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