Robert Champion

KEVIL - Bob Champion, 77, of Kevil, Ky died Friday morning at his residence.

Bob was a native of Ballard County, where he graduated from Bandana High School. He went on to attend Paducah Junior College and Texas A & M College of Commerce, where he became a member of Texas A & M Basketball Hall of Fame. Bob was a member of the Kevil United Methodist Church and retired as Area Program Director for Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation with 34 years of service. He served on both the McCracken County and Ballard County Farm Bureau Boards. He enjoyed fishing, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, family gatherings and being with his many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Knight Champion; two sons, Brad Champion, Melber, Ky., and Blake Champion (Kim), Lone Oak, Ky.; five grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey, Karly, Kelly and Max Champion; brothers-in-law, J. W. Wallace, Paducah, Ky., and Harold Knight, La Center, Ky.; sisters-in-law, Betty Rose Champion, Paducah, Ky., and Evelyn Galloway, Kevil, Ky.; several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his first wife, Mary Barbara "Bobbie" Higdon Champion; grandson, Cory Champion; great-granddaughter, Addalyn Champion; sister, Charlene Champion Wallace; and brothers, Wesley Thomas Champion and Lourde Coleman Champion. His parents were John Wesley Champion and Mary Lettie Holly Champion.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Scott Speight and Dr. Willis Henson officiating. Burial will follow at Maplelawn Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Kevil United Methodist Church, 1052 No. 1st Street, Kevil, KY 42053 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com.