Keith Anthony Champion

Keith Anthony Champion of St. Robert, Missouri was born November 18, 1960 to Gracy Champion Hancock and Leonard Champion in Athens, GA. The Lord called him from labor to reward on January 9, 2013. He married the former Miss Bonita G. Cousart on November 16, 1996. They shared 16 years of blessed love, friendship and partnership to last for all eternity and no children were born to this union. Keith grew up in Athens, GA and was nurtured through Hill Chapel Baptist Church. He educated in the Clarke County School District. He graduated from Clarke Central High School in 1979. He entered the United States Army on March 31, 1982 and served as a Transportation Motor Operation Specialist. He received several honors including: The Army Service Ribbon, The Army Lapel Letter, the National Defense Service Medal, The Overseas Service Ribbon, The Army Achievement Medal, The Army Drivers Badge, The Army Marksmanship Badge (Rifle), The Army Expert Badge (Hand Grenades). His last assignment was at Fort Drum, New York and he received an honorable discharge on October 3, 1991. Some years later, Keith attended the Waynesville Technical Academy where he was enrolled and successfully completed the Certified Nurse’s Aid program. After Keith’s military service, he was employed by KEM Vending in Athens, GA; J.B. Hunt Trucking and Swift Trucking Company. In addition, Keith was employed as a Certified Nurse’s aide at Sunset Village Residential Care Center (St. Robert, MO) and worked for EDP on Fort Leonard Wood Military base. Keith was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan! He relished the opportunity to watch football, basketball and baseball games. He loved traveling. He maintained his own personal collection of various maps. Keith also enjoyed listening to Jazz music. His favorite jazz artists were B. B. King, Kenny G, “Boney” James, Paul Hardcastle. Keith also enjoyed cooking and his favorite meal to prepare was prime rib, baked potato and chef salad. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers: Estelle Champion and Bessie Wilkins; and a favorite cousin Virginia “Gina Rose” Wilkins. He leaves a loving family to cherish his memories. His love and wife Bonita Champion of Waynesville, MO; a daughter Keita Veniese Champion of Athens, GA; parents: Gracy Champion Hancock and Leonard (Mamie) Champion of Athens, GA; sisters: Michelle Stroud and Keisha Champion of Athens, GA; brothers: Jeff (Kalamis) Smith, Zachary Champion, Michael (Denise) Champion and Mack Hancock of Athens, GA; Aunt Jeanette Rucker of Athens, GA; In-laws Bill and Edna Cousart of Charlotte, NC; special cousin Eleanor Fortson; dear friends: Edward Bruington, Dewayne Clarke and Mike Tyson; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. Funeral services were held at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Edward Bruington officiating. Chaplain (LTC) James Smith read Scripture and led the invocation. Minister T. Golden led a prayer of comfort for the family and Mother Annie Johnson read the obituary. Several family members and friends recalled their wonderful memories of Keith. Graveside services with military honors were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2013 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood.

Keith Anthony Champion

November 18, 1960 - January 9, 2013