Ronald Wayne Champlin, age 82, of Concordia, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021, at his residence in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. He was born on March 17, 1939, in Concordia, Kansas, to Robert O. & Mildred L. (Huber) Champlin.
He graduated from Concordia High School in 1957. He graduated from Washburn University with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1961.
He owned and operated Christensen Oil and Champlin Tire Recycling.
Ron was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, he was a charter member of Mid-America Tire Dealers Association, where he served as past president. Ron received their highest award given, which was Service To The Industry Award. In 1989 then Governor Mike Hayden appointed Ron to the Solid Waste and Recycling Commission. He was a Boy Scout Troop Master for 10 years. Ron also mentored several young men through the Concordia Big Brothers Big Sisters.
He married Susan M. Whiteman on May 7, 1961, in Topeka, Kan. She preceded him on June 22, 2008.
Ron was a outdoorsmen, he had his own apple orchard, enjoyed gardening, traveling on many occasions all around the world, especially with his grandchildren at his side on many vacation trips. Ron was also a cattleman where he enjoyed being outdoors running his ranching operation.
He is survived by three sons, Gary Champlin (Debra), Bennington, Kan., David Champlin and Corey Champlin (Angela), all of Concordia; special friend, Judy Kircher, Concordia, Kan.; brothers, Dr. Bruce Champlin (Margie), Surprise, Ariz. & Keith Christensen, Salina & step-brother, Damon Christensen (Laura), Concordia; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, David Whiteman, Concordia.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; son, Shaun; grandson, Scott Champlin; parents, Robert Champlin (Pauline) & Mildred Christensen (Chris); brother, Robert “Bob” Champlin; sister, Ivona Kemp & step-brother, Loren Christensen.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021, at the Wesleyan Church, Concordia, Kansas, with Pastors David Redmond and Bob Burns officiating. Burial will follow the services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia.
Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials to the Concordia Boy Scouts Troop #38 or Big Brothers Big Sisters c/o Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
