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Sept. 27, 1946 – Oct. 20, 2023

JONESVILLE – Thomas “Tommy” Clayton Champlin, 77, of Jonesville, born on Sept. 27, 1946, to Sonny Champlin and Edith Laprairie Champlin Colvin, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Bonnie Bradford Champlin; daughters, Tara Hudson and husband, David of Jonesville, Natasha Young and husband, Jeff, of League City, TX, Courtney Payne and husband, Heath, of Jena; son, Chad Champlin and wife, Amy Pritchard Champlin, of Jena; grandchildren, Canaan Hudson and wife, Alethia, Isaac Hudson, Clay Young, Christian Champlin, Jewellia Champlin, Lexie Young, Jude Young; one great-granddaughter, Eden Hudson; Freda Vinson Williams of Vidalia, Benny Champlin, and wife, Ann, of Monterey, Ronny Champlin and wife, Judy, of Baton Rouge, Vickie Brantley of Lake Village Arkansas, and Tammy Champlin of Monterey.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandy DeVille.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Matthew Murrell and Rev. Bobby Pennington officiating. Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, from 5 until 8 p.m., all at Grace Baptist Church, Jonesville. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Rhinehart.

He met his sweetheart, Bonnie, when they were both 16 years old. They dated through college and were married on March 8, 1968. They created a beautiful legacy during their 55 years of marriage.  Block High School held many wonderful memories for Tommy and Bonnie. He was voted Most Handsome, played the trumpet in the band, enjoyed the basketball team, and served as captain of the football team.  Their class of 1964 provided many wonderful friendships.

Tommy graduated from Northwestern State University in 1968 with an accounting degree. He was a member of Who’s Who for U.S. Colleges, Blue Key Honor Society, Beta Gamma Si, and President of the Business Club. He proudly served his country in the National Guard for seven years.

For a man who never cooked, he was an avid food critic, regardless of how delicious the meal was.  Those who frequently prepared meals for him knew to avoid using onions or to finely chop them, so they were undetected. He once entered a dessert contest at First Baptist Church and attempted to cook an upside-down pineapple cake in the microwave. Needless to say, he did not win.

Tommy had a heart of gold and was a kind, compassionate, caring, and generous person to his family, friends, and community.  He enjoyed fellowshipping at Grace Baptist Church and supported their various ministries. He was always willing to donate to any good cause. He was active in the Jonesville Lion’s Club, and daily delighted in being a part of the morning Coffee Crew.

Business has been a part of Tommy’s life from an early age.  At 13 years old, he began working in his father’s furniture store and continued to do so during high school and college. In 1969, he bought the establishment from Mr. Sonny, and at one time, he ran five locations across central Louisiana.  The success of his business was founded upon his strong work ethic and his love of managing his stores.  He loved taking care of his customers, enjoyed visiting with his friends, and worked diligently to provide for his family. His favorite place to be was the furniture store.

Tommy was happiest when surrounded by his family. He was an avid fan of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and supported them in all their endeavors.  He loved holidays and spending time at the lake house in Monterey. He enjoyed being on the water, teaching others how to ski, tube, and jet ski. Top speed was his only speed! Frightening all his passengers was always a highlight in his life, bringing him great joy and delight. A few of his favorite sayings were, “We don’t go on vacation to save money, so let’s have a good time,” and “Let’s hurry up and spend the money, so we can get back to the honey hole.” He lived life to the fullest, never taking a moment for granted. Everyone knew he was the life of the party!

Pallbearers will be Canaan Hudson, Isaac Hudson, Clay Young, Christian Champlin, Jude Young, and Bryan Warwick.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Nelson Laprarie, Brother Jack Knapp, Pat McCaughey, Arthur Ray King, Maurice Linam, Wilbert Trisler, George Nasif, J.S. Fairbanks, Grover Elliot, Jimmy Wayne Wiley, Craig Books, Everet Mayo, Gary Odom, Jeff Schmidt, Ronny Book, Mike Wilson, Paul Riggs, James King, Bill Atkins, Ray Harris, and Dicky Wilds.

Memorials can be sent to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home at 7200 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203, or to Grace Baptist Church Missions Fund at 2900 Fourth Street, Jonesville, LA 71343.