Obituary of Dennis C. Champion

Smethport - Dennis Charles Champion, 67, of Marvindale, passed away Saturday (December 18, 2021) at UPMC-Hamot, Erie.

 

He was born July 1, 1954 in Kane, the son of Melvin “Smoke” Champion and Lorraine Paul Thornton.  On January 14, 1984, in Smethport, he married Susan D. Keesler, who survives.

 

Dennis attended Kane High School and was employed through Labor Union #603 of Erie, PA. 

 

Dennis was a member of the Smethport Veterans Club.  He loved to hunt, fish, trap and spend time with his family.

 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

Step father: Robert “Bob” Thornton

Two sons:  Dennis M. Champion of Kane and Stephen D. Wenner of Johnsonburg

Four grandchildren:  Breydon Champion, Hunter Blymiller, Brooke Blymiller and Kylie Hayduk

Two brothers:  Robert and David Thornton, both of Mt. Jewett

Six sisters:  Donna Ingersoll of Indianapolis, IN, Mary (Bob) Arthurs of Mt. Jewett, Elizabeth Ann (Ralph) Carpenter of Bradford, Dawn (Jeff) Bootes of Erie, Laurie Thornton of Bradford and Melvina Vito of Kane, several Aunts, Uncles, nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by one daughter, Heather D. Champion, one brother, Kevin Champion, and two sisters, Nancy and Jody Champion.

 

Services will be held privately with the family.  A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held for the public in the summer.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kids Fishing Club, P.O. Box 97, Hazel Hurst, PA  16733.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.