Donald E. "Pee Wee" Champion

Tell City, Indiana –

Donald E. “Pee Wee” Champion, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 30, 2023.

He was born in Indianapolis, son of Edward and Gertrude (Lauer) Champion and raised in Perry County.

Don was a veteran of the United States Army having served in Korea and also stationed in Japan. Don met his wife, Wako, in Japan and they married in 1954. They moved to Indiana and raised their family in Tell City.

He retired as a crane operator from International Union of Operating Engineers Local #181. Don worked at Tell City Chair Company, Maxon Marine and worked during the construction of the Rockport Power Plant.

He enjoyed being at his property near Rome, where he farmed and raised beef cattle for many years. Don always had a vegetable and flower garden on the farm and at his home in Tell City. He loved to fish on his farm ponds and on the Ohio River. Don was an avid student of history, especially history of Perry County, as well as world and ancient history. Don served on the Perry County Soil and Water Conservation Board.

Surviving him are his children, Linda Race, Jim Champion (Carey), Don E. Champion, Jr. (Lorraine) and Mary Jane Champion-Fennell (Len); grandchildren, Ryan Race Fleischer (Danny), Grant Race, Tori Champion (Siegmund “Ziggy” Skalar), Colin Champion (Meagan), Sarah Champion (Tim Reitnouer) and Matthew Champion (Tavia Bonetti) and a great granddaughter, Aiden Fleischer.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wako (Nakamura) Champion; brothers, Eddie and Paul Champion and a half-brother, Richard Champion.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM CDT at Huber Funeral Home, Tell City Chapel, with graveside services immediately following at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301, note donation for The Heartford House Hospice.