Obituary of Charles Brittain

Charles H. "Chuck" Brittain Jr. August 8, 1949 - April 26, 2008 Chuck Brittain joined his loving wife Susan in the arms of his Lord Saturday, April 26, with his adoring family at his side. He was 58. Chuck was born August 8, 1949 in Monroe, Michigan to the union of Shirley Vore and the late Charles H. Brittain Sr. He was a 1967 graduate of Monroe High School and attended courses at Monroe County Community College before enlisting in the United States Navy. He married Susan Kahlbaum on July 24, 1970 at St. Patrick's in Carleton. Chuck believed the fundamental values of Christianity started at home. He taught his children to focus their lives on the pillars of Church, Family, and Work, taking pride and enjoyment from each. The "Three-Legged Stool" as he liked to call it. Chuck loved his work and spent more than 35 years with Ford Motor Company. During his time at Ford as a Quality Liaison he traveled to plants in Michigan, Canada, and Ohio developing everlasting friendships. He retired April 1, 2008. Chuck attended grade school and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran. He was a lifetime member of the Church. His involvement at Trinity was extensive including: Visiting Shut-ins, Community of Needs Meals, Sanctuary Choir, Men's Bible Study, Tape Ministry, an Elder, and Usher. Recently, after much prayer, he had accepted a Church Council position of Vice-President of Spiritual Life. He enjoyed trips Up North to the family cabin on Crystal Lake, especially during the Autumn months to see the leaves change colors, boating, fishing, leisurely walks at the park with his grandson, and the "Brittain Family Sport" of Cribbage. He leaves to cherish his memory four children: Amy Criss of Milan, Matt Brittain and Kelly Block of Jenison, MI, Andy Brittain of Monroe, and Sarah Brittain and her fiancé Josh Dysart of Chicago, IL; his mother: Shirley of Lakeland, FL; four sisters: Christine Carlson of Largo, FL; Susan and Terrence Banbury of Worthington, OH; Bonnie and Frank Badour of Essexville, MI; and Teresa Brittain of Lakeland; a brother: John and Maureen Brittain of Mason, MI; and two grandchildren: Geirrod and Lauren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, and his father, Charles Sr. Friends are invited to gather from 5-8pm, Monday, April 28, and from 2-8pm, Tuesday, April 29, at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state at Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Scott Street from 5pm until a Celebration of his Life at 7:00pm, Wednesday, April 30, 2008. The family suggests memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Heartbeat of Monroe.