Jerry L. Champion, age 75 – a lifelong resident of Elwood, died Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville after an extended illness. He was born September 24, 1939 in Elwood, the son of Paul and Clara (Faulstich) Champion. He was a Job Setter at Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo for 37 years and retired in May of 2000. He also formerly worked part-time at the Elwood Co-Op for several years. Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and also attended Ball State College. He also served as a reservist in the United States Navy. He married E. Sue Retherford on February 13, 1960. Jerry was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood and served as a trustee of the church for many years. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union #685 in Kokomo. He enjoyed making birdhouses in his youth, golfing, fishing, and bowling on several leagues at both Lucky Strike Lanes and Wells Lanes in Elwood. He was an avid sports fan - especially watching his children and grandchildren; and enjoyed I.U. basketball and Lady Vols basketball. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; and he will be remembered as being a friend to all who met him.


Jerry's family includes his wife of more than 54 years, Sue Champion of Elwood; son, Greg (wife Monica) Champion of Warsaw; daughter, Jody (husband Mark) Schell of Brownsburg; brother, Dr. John (wife Jeanette) Champion of West Palm Beach, FL; son-in-law, Scott Jones of Elwood; 4 grandchildren, Eric (wife Christine) Champion, Matthew Champion (girlfriend Krystal), Darren Jones, and Alyssa Schell; 2 great-grandchildren, Amelia Champion and Hunter Champion; several nieces and nephews; 2 sisters-in-law, Phyllis Champion and Evelyn Champion; brother-in-law, Clayton Smith; and very special friends, Phil and Sandy Burton, Phil and Cathy Ogden, George and Marge Bannister, Randi Silvey, John & Cindy Bucci, Rod & Lisa McMinn, and Ken & Norma Jean Goodnight.


Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Brenda K. Jones; 2 brothers, Phil Champion and Robert Champion; and 2 sisters, Mary Whitenack and Doris Smith.


Funeral services celebrating Jerry's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Bill Johnston of Grace United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 PM on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.copherfeslermay.com.