Dennis Ray Champion

Dennis Ray (Champ) Champion, 69, of Benton Township entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, May 26th, surrounded by his family and friends in the comfort of his home.  Dennis began his life on May 24, 1948 in Caruthersville, MO, to the late Royce and Dorothy (Cain) Champion. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Joyce, son Todd (Shelley) Champion, daughter Shannon Rogers, granddaughters Kelsey Rogers (Zach Clauser), Sydney and Autumn Champion, along with one great-grandchild Harper Rae Clauser. He also leaves behind brother Royce (Sherry) Champion of Essex, MO, sister Anita (Gerry) Oglesby of Covert, MI, brother Jerrold (Debbie) Champion of Manzanita, OR, brother Michael Champion of Coloma, MI, cousin Brady (Sue) Champion, also, brother Ted (Marlys) Jewell of Las Vegas, NV, along with his private prayer team Wade and Tina Blankenship, Chris and Kerry Bolin, Marlena Ashley, and sister-from-another-Mister Shirley Martin.  After proudly serving his country during the Vietnam Era in the U.S. Army, Dennis became a longtime firefighter for the city of Benton Harbor, MI. He then retired in 2010 from Whirlpool Corp. Dennis enjoyed spending time camping and fishing with family and friends. He was often found on the softball fields watching his girls play. He also enjoyed their musical performances. His love for his family was undeniable as well as the love for his fur babies Lucy and Maggie.  A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, May 30 at New Freedom Church, 6210 Mountain Rd., Coloma, MI, with Pastor Wade Blankenship officiating. The visitation will begin at 5:30pm. Service to follow at 6:30pm. Graveside service will be held with Military Rites on Wednesday May 31. Those planning to attend should arrive at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI at 12:15pm to join the procession to North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma, MI. In lieu of flowers, Dennis wishes were to have donations made to New Freedom Church. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com