In the early morning of January 23, 2006, Arthur Owen Champagne passed away at St Mary’s Hospital in Port Arthur, Texas at the age of 73. Art was born on October 13, 1932 in Nederland, Texas, where he grew up and later raised his family.
Art is survived by his loving wife, Helga, son Michael, son and daughter-in-law Tracy and Kim, daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Howard Laster, and granddaughters Madison and Hannah.
Art graduated from Nederland High School in 1950. He attended Lamar University for 2 ½ years studying to be a Medical Laboratory Technician, which would lead him into loyal employment with Ameripol-Synpol for 32 years. He was then drafted into the US Army in 1953 during the Korean Conflict and continued to proudly serve in the US Army Reserves for 30 additional years.
While stationed in Germany, Art first met the love of his life, Helga Hagmaier. Helga followed Art a year later from Germany. They soon were married, and started a new life and family together in Nederland. Art and Helga would have been married 50 years this February 17, 2006.
Art was a devoted husband and father to his family, a caring son. He lived a full life, enjoyed many life-long friendships, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was loved by all and truly never met a stranger. Art will be missed greatly for his infectious laughter, his ability to say just the right words at just the right time, and his willingness to find the good in each of us.
A visitation and viewing will be held at 5 to 8 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Nederland, Texas on Wednesday, January 25th. Memorial and funeral services will be conducted at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 10 am on Thursday, January 26th.
For those desiring Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Memorial Fund 2711 Helena, Nederland, Texas 77627.
Pallbearers will be Alfonso Castaneda, Tom Peek, Mark Preston, Trussell Thane, Jed Haynes, Frank vanSehrwald, Tommy May and Ricky McKeever.
