Donald Lewis Champlin

June 24, 1947 ~ August 29, 2024
Donald Lewis Champlin, 77, of Martinsville, passed on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after succumbing to injuries obtained from a fall at his home. He was born to the late Sylvanus “Big” Champlin and Lavonne (Lewis) Champlin in Martinsville on June 24, 1947.
He graduated from Martinsville High School with the class of 1965. Donald served in the Army National Guard for six years. In 2001, he retired from AES Indiana formerly Indianapolis Power and Light Company where he worked as an electrician.
Donald married the love of his life, C. Suzanne Gunnell, on June 19, 1971 and the couple has been blessed with over fifty-three years of marriage. He was a talented craftsman and enjoyed making items for those he loved. He made toys, tables, dressers, end tables, hope chests, cabinets, and more. Not one to sit around the house, Donald enjoyed staying active with a project. When he did sit down, he enjoyed watching a movie. Additionally, he was a history buff.
He will be deeply missed by his family and friends including his wife, Suzanne Champlin of Martinsville; brothers, Dan Champlin of Victor, NY, Dick (wife, Bonnie) Champlin of West Hollywood, CA, and Dennis (wife, Jackie) Champlin of Martinsville; sister, Diana (husband, DeWayne) Hubbard of Gosport; brother-in-law, Brian (wife, Angela) Gunnell of Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-law, Cherall (husband, Terry) Humble of Glasgow, KY; and nine nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Sylvanus “Big” and Lavonne Champlin; and sister-in-law, Carol Myrick.
Family and friends are invited to Donald’s Life Celebration® memorial visitation on Saturday, September 7th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. Donald’s remains have been cremated.
Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
Debbie and Michael Champlin has purchased Essence of Heaven for Donald Champlin
Marian and John Phillips has purchased Purple Majesty for Donald Champlin
Janet Boyle has purchased Designer’s Choice for Donald Champlin
My condolences to you. He will be sadly missed
Linda Goodwin has purchased Sympathy Garden for Donald Champlin
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Suzy and the entire family. Don was always full of life and laughs. His energy will be missed by all who knew him.
Laurie and Doug Swetman has purchased Eternal Love for Donald Champlin
Oh Suzy. With deepest sympathy and love for your loss. Susann and Paul
Dennis & Jackie Champlin has purchased Designer’s Choice for Donald Champlin
Susie I wish I could be with all of you.Ed is falling a lot.he can’t travel. But I send my love
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Suzy. Sandy and Larry Harlow
Lee & April Lewis has purchased Treasured Memories Floor Basket – Blue for Donald Champlin
So very sorry for the loss of a friend and condolences to the family. Such a tragic accident. May your memories be your blessings.
GEORGANN West
Steve & Caitlyn Champlin has purchased Loving Embrace for Donald Champlin
Your CHV Hendricks family has purchased Essence of Heaven for Donald Champlin
Suzanne, so sorry to hear about your husband GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Suzanne,
I am sorry for your loss of your beloved husband. Words cannot express the sorrow you must feel. I will pray for you and your family.
I would like to reach out to you next week and check on you.
Sincerely,