Bobby Ray Champion

Bobby Ray Champion, 78, of Poplar Bluff died Monday, June 15, 2009 at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.

Mr. Champion was born March 7, 1931 in Ridgeley, Tenn. He attended the First Christian Church, and was disabled. During his earlier years he worked as a foreman for a Die Cast Shop in Michigan. Mr. Champion was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading his Bible, gardening, camping and fishing.

On July 10, 1949 he married Marjorie Matthew in Caruthersville. She survives. This July they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Other survivors include daughters: Debra Grimes and husband Pete and Cathy Clanahan and husband Bill, all of Poplar Bluff; grandchildren: Matthew Clanahan, Shannon Williams, Heather Whitmer, Clarence Grimes II, David Grimes, James Edward Grimes, Beth Nedeau and Effie Grimes; great-grandchildren: Celce Celine DeWitt and Rianna Marie DeWitt; and brother, Cecil Champion and wife Shirley of Detroit, Mich.

His parents, Cecil and Florence (Allen) Champion, sister, Mary Scott and brothers, Royce Champion, Herbert Champion, Brady Champion and Troy Champion preceded Mr. Champion in death.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church with Dr. Steven Williams officiating and the Rev. Bill Clanahan assisting. Burial with full military honors will follow at 12 noon Wednesday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 1601 North Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901