Francis Champion

Francis Dean "Frank" Champion, age 86, of St. Louis, MI passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at his home.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held in June 2015 at Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Louis, MI.

Frank was born in St. Louis, Michigan on September 5, 1928, the son of Francis and Coila (Doerr) Champion. Frank married Glenda Martin on May 1, 1948 in St. Louis, MI.

Frank was a lifetime member and officer of the Masonic Temple and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was a member of the Gratiot County Commission on Aging and an Eagle Scout. Frank retired from the City of St. Louis' Water Department after 15 years of service. He was known for his gourmet cooking, grilling and homemade bread. He enjoyed snowmobiling, cross country skiing, bike riding, hunting, fishing and golf. Frank loved the game of euchre with family and friends. Frank was also a die-hard University of Michigan fan - Go BLUE! He was a member of St. Louis United Methodist Church.

He is survived by 3 daughters; Denise and Timothy Burns of Oxford, MI, Sue Champion of St. Louis, MI, Trecy Hood of Carlsbad, CA; beloved companion Lila Rosenberger of St. Louis, MI; grandchildren; Patrick Burns of San Clemente, CA, Justin Shattuck and Michelle Tuza of St. Louis, MI, Ryan and Karah Shattuck of St. Louis, MI, Megan Howd and Joseph Bosley of Ithaca, MI, Nicholas Hood of Carlsbad, CA, and Audrey Hood of Carlsbad, CA. He is also survived by 7 great grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister Audrie McCaskey.

Memorial obituaries can be made to Ryan's Hope, a foundation created for his grandson Ryan Shattuck who has been battling Multiple Sclerosis since the age of 21. Checks can be mailed directly to Smith Family Funeral Homes made payable to Ryan Shatttuck. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Louis, Michigan.

Read Francis Champion's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.