Aug 3, 2022

Eugene A. Champion, 69, of Bentleyville, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022, in the Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska, following a brief illness while on a cruise with his wife.

Gene was born on March 26, 1953, in Tampa, Fla., a son of the late Ernest R. and Evelyn W. Jacobs Champion.

Gene graduated from Fort Cherry High School in 1973. He worked at Chemply in Bunola for 18 years, where he left as plant manager, then in 2003 he began working at Three Rivers Marine and Rail, in Monessen, until his retirement as the bagging facility plant manager, in January of 2019.

Gene enjoyed going fishing, cooking and spending time with his friends and family at their camp in Pymatuning.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Kepcsynski Champion, whom he married, May 30, 1992; two daughters, Jennifer Champion of Atlasburg and Valerie Champion (Chris Allison) of Avella; a sister and brother-in-law, Ruth (Danny) Massey of Amarillo, Texas; eight grandchildren: Jade Hackney, Jeffery and Jeremy Tkach, Joseph and Jameson Harvey and Mason, Bo and Ace Allison; a great-granddaughter, Presley Cook; and a brother-in-law, Drew Kepcsynski of Monongahela. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell and Leon Champion.

Friends will be received at the Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767, from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, with additional visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022, with a service beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Josh Green officiating.

Condolences can be made online at marshallmarrafuneralhome.com.