Hilton Bruce Champaign

Hilton Bruce Champaign was born on May 18, 1925, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph I. Champaign and Neva B. King.

Hilton proudly served his country as a World War II veteran in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following his military service, he used the GI Bill to attend carpentry trade school, a skill that supported his family and reflected his strong work ethic throughout his life.

Hilton is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Helen Jean Champaign; his six children: Kathleen (Gary) Lee, Gili (Thomas) Larkin, Cynthia Kosty, Kevin (Dawn) Champaign, Holly Champaign, and Eric (Karen) Champaign; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and his brothers Marsden Champaign, Darold Champaign, and Terrence Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Jean Ruth Callahan Champaign; his grandson Christopher Lee; his great-grandson Brandon Lee; and his brothers Lawrence Champaign, Hugh Champaign, and Gary Champaign.

Hilton will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to his country, and the quiet strength and integrity with which he lived his life.