Charles L. “Chuck” Smith, 87, Westler Lake, passed away early Wednesday morning, Dec. 9, 2015, at Parkview Noble Hospital in La Grange. He was born Aug. 29, 1928, the son of Dee and Ruby (Stiffner) Smith. On June 18, 1949, he married Phyllis Birch in Ligonier.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Phyllis Smith, Westler Lake; two daughters: Karen (Dale) Long, Urbana, Ohio; and Becky (Dave) Spencer, Dallas Lake; five grandchildren: Shelly (John) Altimus, Ligonier; Kim (Brent) Caroline, New Haven; Randy Stillings, Marysville, Ohio; Josh (Lindsey) Spencer, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Ryan (Courtney) Spencer, Topeka; ten great-grandchildren; Brandon (Brittany) Altimus, Westler Lake; Jeremy Altimus, Ligonier; Meagan (Matt) Cheviron, New Haven; Gage Mallett, New Haven; Reagan Stillings; and Addilyn Stillings, both of Marysville, Ohio; Kensington Spencer, Cincinnati, Ohio; Rylan Spencer; and Emmery Spencer, both of Topeka; two great-great-grandchildren: Asher Altimus, Westler Lake; and Gracelynn Cheviron, New Haven; a brother: Edlon Smith, Ligonier; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister: Norma Anspaugh.

He owned and operated Chuck Smith Auto Parts in Albion for 25 years prior to his retirement in 1994. Chuck enjoyed boating, fishing and of course cars. Above all, he loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

A private cremation committal will take place at Legacy Cremation and Remembrance Center in Ligonier. A memorial service will be held in Chuck’s honor in the spring of 2016 and burial will follow at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or the LaGrange Ark Animal Shelter.