Charles D. Griffith
courtesy photo
Charles Griffith
RONAN — My beloved, Charles D. Griffith, passed away Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, at St. Luke Community Hospital.
Charles was born in Ackley, Iowa, on June 22, 1932, to Sophie Maifield and Charles Henry Griffith.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return he learned to work with, service and repair all types of office machines and had his own business in Kokomo, Indiana.
He married Dorothy Rogers and they had four children, Chuck, Joni, Bill and Mark. They later divorced.
Charles came from Kokomo to Polson in 1969 to start a business servicing and repairing office machines. He met his future wife, Jean Schwarz, and together they started Service Inc. When the new age of electronics came into the picture, repair of mechanical machines was over. Service Inc. then started selling office products, branched out into office furniture, art supplies, picture framing and matting, and Leanin’ Tree greeting cards along with a large assortment of inexpensive children’s activity books.
As mechanical office machines became obsolete, Charles decided that he and Jean should go long-haul trucking eventually owning a beautiful Peterbuilt 18 wheeler. They named the company “Hot Damn Trucking.” After a few trips, Jean decided she’d rather stay home and run the stores (at that time they also had Service Inc. in Ronan).
Charles hauled produce coast to coast from 1979 to 2001, when he was forced to retire for health reasons. Service Inc. closed in September of 2005.
Charles’ son, Chuck; his daughter, Sherry; his parents; and two sisters, Grace and Gladys, precede him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Jean; children, Joni (Francis) Recinos, Mark Griffith, Bill Griffith, Bill Schwarz and Michael Schwarz; three sisters, Irma Weatherwax, Charlotte Rogers and Drusilla Richtsmeier; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wishes, no services are planned and he will be laid to rest beside his parents in Cedar Falls, Iowa. His Montana family will have a celebration and memorial of his life at the family reunion in August.
Foster Funeral Home of St. Ignatius is assisting with arrangements.
