Michael Charles Redfern

Redfern, Michael Charles, age 79 of Kettering, Ohio passed away on October 26, 2021 after a lengthy hard fought illness. He was the second son of Howard W. Redfern Sr. and Julianna C. Redfern (Geswein) and the Brother to four siblings Mary Jo Redfern (Finan), Howard W. Redfern Jr. , Martha Ann Redfern (Combs) and James P. Redfern. In high school his uncles, James P. and William Geswein, and his Dad taught him to drive a semi truck. After graduating from Fairmont West High School he got his CDL drivers license and went on to drive for Redfern Cartage Company and many others, he also founded his own service station named Redfern's Sinclair. In January 1967, at the age of 25, Michael's life would forever change with the loss of his father, he then pledged to remain a bachelor for the rest of his life to take care of and protect his widowed mother for the rest of her's. For the next 27 years he remained her rock taking care of her every need until her passing in 1994. Not only did he take on that challenge , he once again stepped in when tragedy struck his sister Martha's Family. Although never having children of his own he instantly stepped in as second Dad to her kids Robbie, Gail Ann and Gary Mike and for the remainder of his life, those three were his children. He was known as "Uncle Mike" but he was looked upon as their father. He was everyones Uncle, even his friends, but he was also known Mike, Big Mike, Big Guy or Charger One. Mike had a love for racing cars and hot rods. One of his biggest achievements came in 1973 after buying an old race car, approached an amazing driver named Bobby Jacks who was competitive locally, the duo became a force to be reckoned with and in 1975 The Combined Racing Team was formed. After a few years in 1979 the team went professional and joined the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) a division of Nascar and over 11 years he undoubtedly had some of the best times of his life as Owner/Crew Chief/ and The Leader of as many as 24 volunteer crew members that made up the team. After retiring from racing his need for speed continued, Mike along with his nephews Rob, Gary and friends Ted and Bobby, and others produced many fabulous custom hot rods in the area most notable his prized 1951 Mercury Custom Lead Sled known as the "Neighborhood Bully". As time went on and Uncle Mike started slowing down with age and ailments his relationships grew much stronger with Rob, Gail and Gary as they became his protectors and caretakers. They were with him to the very end. Michael leaves behind his beloved Robbie and Melissa Combs (Sarah, Laura/Bobbie, Michael/Rachael), Gail Ann and Tom Bevington (Tommy/Nickie, Jesse/Jessie, Chad/Janielle) and Gary and Shari Combs (Gracie) and numerous special nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother James P. Redfern and wife Fran. Special thanks to Tom, Dot, Roger, Jim and Bob for always visiting and Melissa for always making him laugh. In is written words left behind"ITS BEEN A FUN TRIP, I'LL SEE ALL OF YOU DOWN THE ROAD!"