Denver ? Ray Rose, a former chairman and chief executive officer of the King Soopers grocery chain, died Jan. 31 in Colorado Springs. He was 80.

Rose was born April 24, 1923, in Hutchinson, Kan. After graduating from Hutchinson High School, where he met his wife, the former Marjorie Lane Caldwell, he served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He flew B-17 bombing missions deep into Europe until the war ended in 1945.

Rose began his career in the grocery business at Dillons, a Kansas chain later incorporated as the J.S. Dillon and Sons Stores Co. While working full-time, Rose earned degrees in business administration and economics from Wichita State University, graduating in two years.

Dillons was purchased in 1983 by Cincinnati-based Kroger Co., now the parent of King Soopers.

In 1967, Rose left for Colorado and went to work for King Soopers. He served as president of the Denver-based chain from 1970 to 1979, later becoming chairman and CEO.

Rose served as president of the Western Association of Food Chains from 1975 to 1979. He also served on the board of directors of Hormel and Quaker Oats and other organizations, including various banks and country clubs in Denver and Colorado Springs.

Survivors include two sons and two daughters. Daughter Jane Rose, 50, said her father was beloved by thousands and many called to express their condolences.

A memorial service will be Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs.