Charles Wesley Griffin, of Mishawaka, formerly of Chesterton, passed away at 6:05 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007 in Hubbard Hill Estates Retirement Community, Elkhart, following a short illness. He was 84.

He was born Jan. 24, 1923 in South Bend to the late Charles W. and Wayve (Butler) Griffin and had lived in South Bend since 2000 coming from Elkhart.

On June 12, 1948 in Rochester, Ind. he married Catherine L. McGreevey, who survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Becky (Jerry) Lutkus of Granger; a son, Charles W. (Sandra) Griffin of Covert, Mich. and three grandchildren, Kate, Jamie and Danny Lutkus. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Joyce Schenck and Lucille Comegys.

Charles retired in 1982 as the owner of Automotive Exhaust Specialists with locations in Valparaiso, Chesterton and Portage. “Spinner” grew up and raced cars for many happy years in the South Bend area. After serving three years in the Pacific Theater in World War II, he met his wife of 58 years at IU Bloomington and proposed at McCormick’s Creek.

He was a proud owner of his own business in Valparaiso, where they made their home for 25 years. After his children grew up and left, Catherine and Charles began to travel extensively. He loved playing golf in Mexico for eight winters, as well as enjoying the sun in Fla. He also lived in Chesterton, Beverly Shores, Elkhart and Mishawaka.

He was an avid race car fan all of his life. His favorite activity was switching between the History Channel and whatever race he could find on TV. Chuck spent his final years enjoying his family and watching Notre Dame and Bears football.

A Mass of Christian Burial, Rev. William Schooler officiating, will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26 in St. Pius X Catholic Church. Cremation will follow.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd., South Bend and in the church one hour prior to the mass on Friday.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s School in Chesterton. Condolences may be e-mailed at welshfh@yahoo.com

Posted 1/25/2007