Ross Leo Champion

Ross Leo Champion, loving husband, father, and grandfather, was called home July 6, 2024. He was two weeks shy of his 94th birthday. Ross was born in Grandfield, Oklahoma on July 19, 1930 to William Morris and Nora Ackerman Champion. As the 8th son born out of 10 children, Ross shared countless stories of his childhood living on the farm in Oklahoma. These memories he cherished, along with the relationships he had with his siblings.

After graduating from Penton High School, he joined the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Ross married Janice Lewis Champion on May 10, 1952. They were married for 56 wonderful years and were blessed with four daughters. During these years, Ross worked for many oil field service companies out of Texas and New Mexico. In 1968, he moved the family to Luling, Louisiana where he went to work for Union Carbide. Ross and Janice were given the adventure of a lifetime, moving to Taiwan for a six month period for work. After Ross came home, he received an Associate Degree in Computer Science. He retired after 32 years of service during which he was admired and respected by all he worked with.

To know Ross, was to know a true man of God. Ross was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Luling where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. During his christian walk, Ross touched many lives. He had a loving and nurturing presence that continuously drew people to him. He had a true gift of embracing people and making them feel at home in his presence no matter their circumstances.

Together, Ross and Janice had a love for travel. They enjoyed cruising to places like Canada and Alaska, to name a few. Ross, a man who never met a stranger, formed many friendships along the way. Their travels often led them to Texas and Pennsylvania, as well, remaining an active part of their grandchildren’s lives. When at home, Ross loved tending to his garden and playing card games with friends and family. He was the ultimate storyteller at family gatherings. His laugh and smile were infectious to all those around him, especially babies. He had a talent for calming crying babies and was dubbed the “baby whisperer” to those who knew him.

Of all the titles Ross held in his 93 years, “Papa Ross” was his greatest title of all. Ross was blessed with twelve grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren who loved and adored him. He was a true family man who made his entire family, including his nieces and nephews, feel special and important to him. Ross Champion was one-of-a-kind.

Ultimately, to know Ross was to love him. His life and legacy will live on in the countless number of people he touched over the years. To honor him, live life with an attitude like Ross. Smile, be kind to others, and always show gratitude.

Ross is survived by his third wife, Marilyn Smith Champion; his daughters, Marcia Newton and husband Jesse, Amy Ivanhoe and husband Lee, Theresa Discavage and husband Tom, Lisa Wright and husband Patrick; stepdaughter, Amy Delk Stanton; stepson, Steve Delk; twelve grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren; and sister, Patsy Lehman of New Jersey. Ross was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Lewis Champion; second wife, Carolyn Delk Champion; Father, William Morris Champion and Mother, Nora Ackerman Champion; four brothers and four sisters, including many nieces and nephews and brother-in-law Jerry Lewis.The family would like to especially thank Melanie, Christina, and Angela from Home Hospice of Midland and the incredible nurses and staff at Cimmaron Place for providing compassionate care and an abundance of kindness during Ross’ final days.

Online condolences can be made at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, Midland, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of H.C. Alexander Funeral Home, Norco, La.

Public visitation for Ross will be held at First Baptist Church in Luling, Louisiana on July 19, 2024 at 10:00 am. The celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Home Hospice at 602 East 2nd Street, Odessa, Texas 79761 and the American Cancer Society.