ISRI sends its deepest condolences to the family of Chair Gary Champlin on the passing of his father. Ronald “Ron” Wayne Champlin, 82, of Concordia, Kan., died Friday, July 16, at his residence in Pagosa Springs, Colo. He was born March 17, 1939, in Concordia to Robert and Mildred (Huber) Champlin. He married Susan Whiteman on May 7, 1961, in Topeka, Kan. She preceded him in death on June 22, 2008.
Mr. Champlin graduated from Concordia High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Washburn University. He owned and operated Christensen Oil and Champlin Tire Recycling in Concordia.
Mr. Champlin was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and a charter member of the Mid-America Tire Dealers Association, where he served as past president. He received the Industry Service Award, the highest award the association gives. In 1989, former Kansas Gov. Mike Hayden appointed Mr. Champlin to the state’s Solid Waste and Recycling Commission. He was a Boy Scouts troop master for 10 years. He also mentored several young men through Big Brothers Big Sisters in Concordia.
Mr. Champlin enjoyed the outdoors, his apple orchard, cattle ranch, gardening, and traveling—especially with his grandchildren. He is survived by sons, Gary Champlin (Debra), of Bennington, Kan.; David Champlin and Corey Champlin (Angela) of Concordia; special friend, Judy Kircher of Concordia; brothers, Dr. Bruce Champlin (Margie), of Surprise, Ariz., and Keith Christensen of Salina, Kan.; step-brother, Damon Christensen (Laura), of Concordia; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; and his brother-in-law, David Whiteman of Concordia.
Mr. Champlin was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; son, Shaun; grandson, Scott Champlin; parents, Robert Champlin (Pauline) and Mildred Christensen (Chris); brother, Robert “Bob” Champlin; sister, Ivona Kemp; and step-brother, Loren Christensen.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 23 at the Wesleyan Church in Concordia with Pastor David Redmond officiating. Burial will follow the services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Concordia. You may leave condolences here.
Mr. Champlin’s family suggests memorials to Concordia Boy Scouts Troop 38 or Big Brothers Big Sisters c/o Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home.
Featured image courtesy of Taylor Hunt from Pexels. Body image courtesy of Gary Champlin. Caption: Ron Champlin.
