Robert “Buddy” Alexander Champion, age 75, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 24, 2022. He was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who graduated from Baton Rouge High School and LSU with a degree in Forestry. Born August 10, 1946, he was preceded in death by his parents, Atwell “Champ” and Venetta “Van” Gest Champion, and his sister, Charlotte Champion Freeland. Buddy was the loving husband for 47 years to Estella Olivier Champion, and an inspiring father to three adult children, J. Christopher Champion (Ana), Anna Champion Courville (Jeffery), and Beau A. Champion (Jenny). He was gifted by his children with eight wonderful grandchildren who knew him as “Budman.” They are Champ and Rome Courville, Jules and Darcy Champion from Houston, and Miles, Jesse, Tanner and Emily Champion from Baton Rouge. Also surviving him are his brother-in-law Joseph Freeland and niece and nephew Fran Yannity and Clint Freeland. A passionate LSU fan, Buddy also coached an American Legion Baseball team which won two City Championships. When not spending time with his family, his favorite pastime was golf. He also enjoyed cooking, gardening and tailgating. As a friend, husband and father, Buddy was loyal and loving to a fault. He was an active member of St. Thomas More Church since 1977. His service there included being a member of the Knights of Columbus, That Man is You, Manna Givers, STM Festival Committee, a worshiper in the Adoration Chapel, and a Eucharistic Minister. He grew in his faith every day and developed a strong devotion to the Divine Mercy. Pallbearers include Paul Olivier, Felix Olivier, Michael Kirby, Chuck David, Edgar Silvey, and Terry Hebert. Honorary pallbearers are Joseph Freeland and Charles Barbre. Relatives and family are invited to join the family for the visitation at St. Thomas More Catholic Church (in the Activity Center on Dartmoor Drive) on Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 9:30 to 11:30. Mass of Christian Burial will begin in the Church at 12 noon, officiated by Fr. Michael Allelo. The graveside service and burial will follow at Greenoaks Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Atwell E. Champion Scholarship Fund at LSU School of Landscape Architecture or a charity of your choice. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com.
