Gerald "Champ" Champagne

Opelousas -Funeral services for Gerald Joseph Champagne, known as “Champ” will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Opelousas, LA. Rev. Perry Hubbs will officiate the services.  Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gerald Joseph Champagne, age 87, on Monday, December 5, 2022, at Eunice Manor Nursing Home. He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran, who retired as Sergeant (E8) with 22 years of service with the Louisiana National Guard.

Champ was the Meat Market Manager and Master Butcher for 37 years at A & P Grocery Store.  His strong faith gave him the desire to teach Sunday School to young children and care for little ones in the nursery at the Baptist Church for many years. He also shared his time with others while coaching little league, playing softball, and was an official umpire.  As a pastime, Champ enjoyed a quiet day, throwing a line in the water to catch a fish. He had a huge, loving heart and cherished his time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

The family will receive guests on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Skip Montet Memorial Chapel in Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas. On Saturday, visitation will continue from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Myrtle Pitre Champagne of Opelousas; son, Len Champagne and wife, Jan; two daughters, Pam Vidrine and husband, Gary; and Laura Fay Champagne and companion, Clyde Taylor; sister, Christine Pitre; brothers-in-law, David White and Carlton McDaniel; 5 grandchildren: Ryan Fontenot, Eric Champagne, Lainey Champagne, Kelly Jacobs and husband, Ross; and Andrea Ducharme; and 2 great-grandchildren: Savannah Aymond and Walker Jacobs.

Mr. Champagnes family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff of Eunice Manor and LHC Hospice and Palliative Care for their love and care given.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Easton Champagne and Mable Stoute Champagne; sisters: Eula McDaniel, Delores Champagne, Mary Ann Doyle, Geraldine Deville, Carmen White; and an infant sister, Euline Champagne.

Pallbearers will be Ross Jacobs, Gary Vidrine, Charles David, David White, Eric Champagne, and Kenny Cannon. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ryan Fontenot and Clyde Taylor.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home, 2845 S. Union St, Opelousas, LA, 70570, (337)942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.