Nashville, MI
Richard Champagne

Mr. Richard Champagne, age 88, of Nashville passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 at The Laurels of Bedford, in Battle Creek, MI.

Richard was born in Monroe, MI on February 21, 1929, the son of the late William and Roseanna (Matthews) Champagne.

He was raised in the Monroe, MI and attended local schools. At the age of 17 Richard left school to join the United State Navy. Where he served four years and was honorably discharged on April 23, 1948.

He was the husband of Josephine (Drewyor) Champagne. The couple was married in Bellevue, MI on April 11, 1972 and made their home together in the Kalamo, and Nashville area.

Richard began his working career at Monroe Auto Equipment, then Ford Motor Company in Monroe, MI., before joining Inducom Construction where he built commercial buildings, retiring as a job Forman after over 20 years with the company.

Richard enjoyed being outdoors camping in Northern Michigan and spending time fishing on the Au Sable River in Northern Michigan. One of the families favorite destinations was Glenning, MI in North East Lower Michigan where they would visit each summer to camp with family and friends. After returning from the Navy, Richard joining the VFW Post 1138 in Monroe, MI where he participated on the Precision Drill Team. During that time the team competed against other VFW Posts and finished first in the state competition. They traveled to New Orleans for the National Competition where they finished in 2nd place.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife Josephine, his five daughters, Dianna (Jimmy) Haskins
Gloria (Randy) Rofe, Rosanna (Richard) Rotterdam, Sharon (Jerry) Gysin, Christy (Greg) Wendorf
three sons Danny Norris, Kenneth Champagne, Richard Champagne II, and 177 Grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his children Susan Champagne, Karen Small, his siblings Beulah, Bill, Betty, Clifford, Norman his grandchildren Katrina, great grandchildren Ayden, and Noel

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday January 24 from 10-5 PM at the Daniels Funeral Home, Nashville with full military honors being rendered at 3 PM by the American Legion Hastings, Post 45, and the United States Navy.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at http://www.danielsfuneralhome.net/