Donald Ray Champagne

Donald was born on July 14, 1964, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to his loving parents Joseph Gary Champagne and Nita Poche Champagne. He was the second of three children, and the only boy. He was christened, made confirmation, was an altar server, and a faithful member of his church. Donald attended St. Joseph The Worker Catholic School followed by Archbishop Shaw Catholic High School where he graduated with honors. Afterwards he attended Tulane University on full academic scholarship.

Later, he decided to join the US Army where he proudly served his country for eight years. During his time in the military, he successfully completed the rigorous training in the Airborne School and Ranger School.

After being honorably discharged from service after Desert Storm as a Sergeant First Class, Donald accepted a position with a government contractor which was later bought out by Lockheed Martin, where in 2005 he earned the NOVA award, the company's highest honor, for his work on their WARSIM project. During this time, he worked full time and continued his education at Colorado Technical University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. He worked as a Lead Software Engineer for over 15 years on various projects, and his ingenuity and dedication earned him numerous accolades. Over the last few years, he has continued his career as a consultant for a software engineering firm in Florida. During his time in the community Donald coached a youth soccer league in Texas for two years, and after relocating to Florida he became a Eucharistic Minister at St. Stephen Catholic Church where he also served as a catechist, teaching the Confirmation and R.C.I.A classes. When he was not working, he enjoyed golfing, playing tennis, supporting his favorite football team the New Orleans Saints, and spending time with his family and close friends. Donald was a kind, loving, and patient man who adored his family, and was always willing to mentor and lend a helping hand.

Donald is survived by his wife Lisa Sanford Champagne, his two children Christina Champagne Holford (Jordan), Sean Champagne (Melba), his granddaughter Charlotte Champagne, his parents Joseph Gary Champagne and Nita Poche Champagne, his two sisters Shenita Champagne Baker (Carlos), and Alita T. Champagne, his two nephews DeCarlos Baker, Ayo Akinwande, his niece Ireti Akinwande, and a host of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Paul Poche and Orita Gordon Poche, and his paternal grandparents McCullough Champagne and Almedia Champagne.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 501 E. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo, Florida 32765. A celebration of life service will follow visitation at 11:00 am.

Donald's loving spirit will live on through his family and all those with whose lives he touched.