Ralph David Champion

Ralph David Champion, age 79, of Glen Carbon, IL, passed away on Monday, June 23rd, 2025, at Eden Village in Glen Carbon, IL. Ralph (David) was born on September 6, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, the son of the late Ralph & Peggy (Hurst) Champion.  Ralph married Mary Ann Gagliardo on August 7, 1965.  Ralph is survived by his three children, Ralph Champion, Jr. & wife Kelly, of Hampton, VA; Michele Dunning & her husband William, of Lincoln, RI; and Stephen Champion & wife Elizabeth, of Davenport, FL; eight grandchildren, Brittney Fairweather & husband TJ, Tiffini Martz & husband Connor, Deborah Dunning & fiance Carly Joseph, Suzanne Dunning, John “Jack” Dunning, Samantha Champion, Nathaniel Dunning, and Erin Champion; two great grandchildren, Emily & Owen Fairweather, a sister in law, Judy Gagliardo, and many loved nieces & nephews.  Besides his parents Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Mary, and a sister Linda (Champion) West.  Ralph was a veteran of the US Air Force where he spent 30 years serving. He graduated from SIUE with a bachelor’s degree. For many years Ralph gave his time to the Boy Scouts where he served as a leader and camp staff. Ralph spent his time traveling with family, flying planes using a flight simulator, and watching old westerns. Ralph was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Hamel.  Most of all he loved his family and being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, & friend.  A visitation will take place on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville from 4 pm until 7 pm.  A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 1, also at the funeral home at 10 am with Rev. Paul Burden presiding.  Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, IL. The family suggests memorials to Immanuel United Church of Christ in Hamel.  Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.

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