Robert Tommy Champagne

At the age of 12, the family moved to Kingsburg, CA, to pursue a farming business. Bob was one of six children, and as he was growing up he began working with his father and family in the farming business and realized farming was his passion.

He continued his schooling and graduated from Kingsburg High School in 1941. Shortly after his graduation in the year of 1943, he was drafted into the armed services and carried out his orders in Europe. While stationed overseas, he was injured in the line of duty and ordered to come home in 1945, where he continued to work with the family on the farm.

On May 4, 1947, he married Louise, the love of his life. They met at the famous Fresno Rainbow Ballroom and danced through life with 70 years of marriage together. They had two boys, Robert, Jr. and Larry.

Bobs family would like to send their thanks and appreciation to the three angels God sent, Betty, Maggie, and Serena, for all their efforts the past seven years to fight the battle of Alzheimer's with Bob.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, mother, two brothers, and three sisters.

Bob is survived by his wife Louise; sons, Robert, Jr., and Larry and wife Michelle. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Lanette Larson, Jenny Kovalevich, Michelle Weaver, Robbie Champagne, Courtney Spilaro, Amanda Brendle, Melissa Silveira, and Andrew Champagne; ten great-grandchildren: Timothy Larson, Riley Weaver, Peyton Weaver, Kayla Kovalevich, Julianna Silveira, Emily Silveira, Jackson Brendle, Mia Champagne, Ryan Woody, and Megan Woody to cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 from 9 - 10 am followed by Recitation of Holy Rosary and Funeral Service. Interment will be held at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of Central Ca., PO Box 3438, Fresno, CA 93650

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.