Laurence L. Champion

Laurence Lyn Champion died peacefully in his sleep aged 80 years, just days before his 81st birthday, on Monday, 18 April 2022, at his home in Viera.

Larry was born on 23 April 1941 in Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California, the youngest son of Paul Richard and Catherine Mary (Vernon) Champion. He graduated from San Gabriel High School in 1959, attended Los Angeles State College, and in 1976, graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor of Arts in History. In 1962 Larry married first Joyce Mardelle Cox; their marriage ended in divorce in 1973. He married Patricia Ann Worthen in 1974 in Lynnfield, Mass.

On 20 December 1961 Larry entered the Air Force at Alhambra and retired on 31 October 1980 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and received his navigator wings. Captain Champion served as a high-altitude reconnaissance navigator on the RB-57F at Kirkland AFB, New Mexico. During Vietnam War, he was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base as a reconnaissance navigator on RB-57 aircraft. Major Champion’s last assignment was with the Strategic Air Command. Major Champion, a Vietnam veteran with more than 20 years service, was awarded the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 7 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his military career, Larry worked as a Computer Security expert for 15 years at TRW Space and Defense and also founded his own company, Computer Security Services, Inc.

Larry enjoyed nature, marksmanship, and aviation history. He was a member of the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville where he spent many hours as a volunteer tour guide and was instrumental in their acquisition of the English Electric Canberra aircraft.

Larry leaves his wife Patti, a son, Todd Champion of New Hampshire, two daughters, Tracy Champion of California and Lisa “Bear” Champion of Vermont, and one granddaughter, Althea Rose. His brother, Richard Paul “Dick” Champion, predeceased him in 2012.

A graveside service with military honors followed by interment will take place at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge on Tuesday, 3 May, at 11 o’clock.

Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 South US Hwy 1, Rockledge, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Champion family.