Donald Lewis Champlin

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.