Clayton I. Champoux, age 84, of Lincoln, died August 25, 2018 at his home in Lincoln. Clay was an aviation mechanic, airplane and helicopter pilot. Clay graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952 and was drafted into the Army in 1955. Clay and Joyce were married on April 21, 1956. He was stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona for two years. After four years in the Reserves, he served for three years in the Army National Guard. Clay started aviation school in 1964, and then went to work for Lincoln Aviation. Clay and Joyce were foster parents from 1979 to 1999, caring for 83 children. Clay and Joyce travelled to all 50 states in the US, and also traveled overseas. Clay loved camping, fishing, and time spent with the family at their cabin in Fremont.
Clay is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce; sons Pat (Michelle) of Denton; Mike of Geneva, Illinois; Steve (Jill) of Lincoln; Rob (Jan) of Lincoln; Jay of Omaha; daughter Melanie (DJ) Johnson; brother Celestine (Kathy) of Effie, Minnesota; sister Agnes Hotchkiss of Lincoln; 26 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. Clay was preceded in death by his parents, Isidore Champoux and Yvonne Hotchkiss.
Family visitation and viewing will be 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28th at Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln. Rosary at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1720 Lake Street, Lincoln, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Father John Sullivan officiating. Graveside Services will be 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Lincoln. Family and friends will gather at 3880 “L” Street, (south gate of the cemetery). Memorials may be made to the family for later designation. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln are handling the arrangements.
Pat & family, so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I remember him well, a wonderful man. My thoughts & prayers are with you. He had a wonderful life.
Jan Lang
My thoughts and prayers are with Clay and your family
Clayton Champoux had allot of what this world really needs right now. Few men have the true grit Clayton had. We are much better people because of this man. Rest In Peace uncle Clayton…
It saddens our hearts to hear the passing of Clay. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and the family. ~~ Words can’t wipe away your tears. Hugs won’t ease your pain. But Hold on to our memories, Forever they’ll remain.
Sincerely,
The Entire Ohle Family
Adolph & Rita Ohle
Scott, Samantha, Nicholas & Emma Ohle
Ann Marie, Jermaine, Christian & Kiani Monet Ohle
Just saw that Clay passed away last Saturday in the paper this afternoon, Wednesday Aug 29. He was a neighbor for all of my childhood and a person who took me along pheasant hunting with his boys years ago. I was just 14, but I remember it distinctly. It was my introduction to hunting. We rode in the back of that stub nose pickup he had, out to a farm somewhere near Crete. I absolutely loved that hunting trip and talked my parents into letting me buy my fist shotgun. They said yes as long as I went with Clay and his boys to learn how to hunt safely. I became a life long hunter because of that trip. I even ran my own guide service in Nebraska for 10 years and became a Hunter Education instructor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission back in 1989. This summer was my 29th year of teaching others about archery and firearm safety. It was because of him taking along that neighbor boy, me, on that hunt that I became so involved with the outdoors. I remember him being a patient teacher to us boys. He was a good man. Rest in peace Clay. My condolences to the family.
My daughters, Margaret and Kathryn Hibler, went to Yankee Hill School in Mrs. Mason’s class with Melanie. I will always remember what a lovely family Melanie had! My prayers and sympathy to all of you.
I just learned of Clay’s passing today and wish I’d known before his service. My deepest sympathy & healing prayers are being sent to Joyce and her entire family. I’ll never forget the support you provided to me many many years ago. God bless you as you celebrate a wonderful man’s life & relish in your beautiful memories!
So very sorry to learn of Clay’s passing. I remember him as a kind and quiet man of strength & conviction, and I have many happy memories of times past. My deepest condolences to the family & friends he leaves behind.