Hugh A. "Tom" Champion Obituary (1932

Mr. Hugh A. "Tom" Champion, age 81, of Madison, Indiana, entered this life on November 29, 1932. He was the loving son of the late Hugh and Alice Houchins Champion. A graduate of North Madison High School, he played basketball for the Tigers. On December 17, 1949, Tom was united in marriage to Wilma Browning. This union was blessed with one son, Richard, and two daughters, Judy and Lynn, to bless their home. From 1954-1976, Tom worked for Clifty Creek IKEC in the results department. From 1976-1978, he served as water superintendent for the City of Madison under Mayor Dr. Warren Rucker. Tom also owned and operated Jefferson County Beverage from 1978-1991. Tom was a lifelong member of Masonic Lodge Union No. 2, where he earned Entered Apprentice on July 14, 1958, Fellow Craft on August 11, 1958 and Master Mason in 1959. He was also a lifelong member of the Elks No. 524, as well as a member of Madison Moose Lodge No. 765. In addition, Hugh in the early 1970s served on the Madison Planning and Zoning Commission Board. Instrumental in developing the Ryker's Ridge Fire Department, he also served as the company's fire chief from 1965-1966. An avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and NASCAR fan, he enjoyed studying World War II history and furthering his knowledge. He was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel under Gov. Julian Carroll, plus merited honors as a Tennessee Squire located in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Tom was a member of the North United Methodist Church. Tom died on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 7:00 a.m., at the Waters of Clifty Falls in Madison, Indiana. Click Here for Funeral Service or Tribute Video A LOVING FAMILY Tom will be missed by his loving wife of 64 years: Wilma Browning Champion of Madison, Indiana; his loving son: Richard "Rick" Champion and his wife, Melanie of Newburgh, Indiana; his two daughters: Judy K. Rusk of Madison, Indiana and Lynn Jones and her husband, Mike of Greenwood, Indiana; his seven grandchildren: Cody John Champion; Kara Beth Rusk; Kelley Brown and her husband, Cordy; Kayce Goley and her husband, Matthew; Katie Jones; Lindsey Jones; Alex Jones; his great-grandchildren: Ben Brown, Tyler Brown and Mia Goley; his several nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents: Hugh and Alice Houchins Champion; his mother-in-law: Ethel Browning; his sister: June Stoops; his son-in-law: Michael K. Rusk who passed away on January 8, 2008. FUNERAL CEREMONY Funeral services will be conducted Monday, February 3, 2014, at 11:00 am, by Dr. Matthew Stultz at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Fairmount Cemetery in Madison, Indiana. VISITATION Friends may call Sunday from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS Memorial contributions may be made to North United Methodist Church or to Fairmount Cemetery. Cards are available at the funeral home. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Hugh A. "Tom" Champion, please click here to visit our sympathy store.