Charles Ivan Champion, 89, of Mansfield, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, and joyfully entered the gates of Heaven.
Charles was born on June 21, 1927 to Orland and Ruby Champion, and he was a 1945 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946.
Like his mother and grandmother, Charles was a dedicated elementary teacher for over 30 years, teaching at Empire Elementary for seven years, Springmill Elementary for 13 years, and at Carpenter Elementary for 10 years. After Charles retired from Mansfield City Schools, he then went on to teach at Grace Christian School in Lexington for two years. He truly cherished his teaching days and enjoyed sharing student stories and memories with his family.
Charles was a life-long member of First Assembly of God in Mansfield, where he faithfully attended and spent decades playing the organ and piano. His favorite activities included spending time with loved ones, playing hymns on his piano at home, and leading his family in Christmas carols during the holidays.
Charles is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Esther, whom he adored and cherished every single day. He is also survived by his daughters, Yvonne (Tim) Baggs, of London, Kentucky, and Carol (Patrick) Coovert, of Mansfield. Charles is also survived by his grandchildren, Kristen (Mike) DeVenny, of Columbus, Felisha (Chris) Henson, of Corbin, Kentucky, and Jonathan Baggs, of London, Kentucky, three step-grandchildren, Ryan (Lauren) and Nathan (Kim) Coovert, and Megan (Stephen) Levas, as well as three great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Champion; and sister, Betsy Delashmitt.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Primrose Retirement Community for providing such wonderful care for Charles.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 at First Assembly of God, 1000 McPherson St., Mansfield, conducted by Rev. Thomas Blair.
Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park with military services conducted by Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
