of Gobles, died Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at the Wings Home in Allegan. Mr. Champion was born November 5, 1925, in Mattawan, the son of the late, Ralph and Susan (Sackett) Champion. Joe graduated from Mattawan High School in 1943. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in WWII, and had worked for Brundage Company in Kalamazoo for 42 years. He loved his family, enjoyed gardening, and was a avid sports fan. He loved to watch the Gobles Tigers and the Detroit Tigers. Surviving are his wife, Violet, 4 children; Larry and Marsha Champion, Garry and Jennifer Champion, Barb and Jerry Dundon, and Brian Champion and his companion, Janet Lowman, 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 2 brothers; Ken Champion and Douglas and Frances Champion, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Ronald, and his sister-in-law, Shirley. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, August 21, at 1 pm at Kendall Cemetery, Pine Grove Twp., a time of sharing with friends and family will follow at the Presbyterian Church in Paw Paw. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wings Home, 330 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010, or the Gobles Athletic Dept., 409 N. State St., Gobles, MI 49055. Arrangements by the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel.