Timothy (Tim) E. Champagne, Sr. was born March 8, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan to Frank and Edith Champagne. He was the youngest of six children. Tim grew up in Warren, Michigan where he attended Mound Park Elementary School, St. Mark’s Catholic School and Fitzgerald High School, where he graduated in 1968. Tim was an avid sports fan and played baseball and football in high school. He also loved ice hockey, and often reminisced about playing on the homemade rink in his neighbor’s backyard. He was not shy when it came to his love of the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Lions, and his yells of excitement and frustration were often the loudest in the stadium. Tim had an infectious laugh and loved life. He had a huge heart. While he could be gruff on the outside, he had a soft and gentle soul underneath.
Tim also had a great love of music, especially the Beatles and Motown and became the lead singer of a rock and roll band in high school. Even though the band did not last, his love of music did. He always sang along to his favorite songs and played “air piano” better than anyone else.
After graduating high school, Tim began working in road construction for Champagne and Webber, Inc. and married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Sterling. Together, they raised two children, Tim Jr. and Andrea. He taught his children the importance of hard work and commitment to family, working long days from early morning until late at night. He spent many years as a Project Manager, but prior to his retirement he decided to slow things down and became a Fleet Manager, which allowed him to spend more time at home. He worked at Webber for 52 years before retiring in 2020. During his years there, he made lifelong friends who became more like family.
Following the death of his first wife, Tim found love again with his second wife, Linda Malik Crosier. They were together for 24 years, marrying in 2007. Together they enjoyed traveling and particularly loved Caribbean cruises. Closer to home, Tim enjoyed playing the slots at casinos in Louisiana and Oklahoma and spending time with family and friends. Tim took great pride in his home and yard, and spent many hours tending to his lawn and flowers until his health problems made that a challenge. At Christmas, he loved covering his house in lights every year.
Preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lynn and sister Georgeanne. He is survived by his wife Linda; son Tim Jr. and his wife Dawn; daughter Andrea and her husband Charles (Chip) Small; grandchildren Hannah, Meghan, Cooper, Lynn, Andrew, Patrick, Claire and Daniel; siblings Dorothy (Dolly) Champagne, Earl Champagne, Ray Champagne, Bruce Champagne and his wife Linda. Tim is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life visitation for Timothy will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Stonebriar Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 10375 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75033. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75033. A committal service will occur Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Champagne family.
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