Jeffrey L. Champlin

Jeffrey L. Champlin, 65, of Clarion passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2016.

A Celebration of Life service for Jeffrey Champlin will be held on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 6:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion, with Deacon Pedro Garcia officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Monday, beginning at 5:00 PM.

Jeffrey Lynn Champlin was born December 12, 1950 in Fort Dodge, the second son of Don L. and Dolores A. (Carr) Champlin.

Jeff graduated from Knoxville High School in 1969. He was also an honorary Clarion Cowboy, class of 1969. He enlisted in the United States Navy, and served as a corpsman during the Vietnam era and was honorably discharged.

Jeff married Terrie Dullard from Des Moines in 1971, and to this union their daughter Mary Theresa was born. They later divorced.

Jeff spent many years working in the grain temperature business, spending much of his time traveling throughout the Midwest before retiring early due to health reasons. He moved back to the Clarion area and resided at Lake Cornelia for many years.

Jeff had a love for his guitar playing, writing words of wisdom, and being a friend to everyone he came in contact with throughout his life. He had a special relationship with everyone. He was a gentle, kind, and caring man, and always made family and friends smile with his special sense of humor and wisdom.

One of his favorite things to do was spend time with his mother, having conversations about everything and anything, but most of all doing something totally off the wall to make someone smile. One of his favorite comments was, “Butterflies are free!”

Jeff is survived by his daughter Mary T. Sloan of Des Moines; three grandchildren; brother Stephen L. Champlin of Omaha, Nebraska, sister Katherine A. (Thomas S.) Walter of Knoxville, Iowa, sister Elizabeth A. (Jerry L.) Mitchell of Knoxville, Iowa, and brother Michael J. Champlin of Las Vegas, Nevada; as well as other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Dolores Champlin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Clarion American Legion and sent to Ewing Funeral Home, PO Box 363 in Clarion, Iowa, 50525.

Please join us in celebrating life of Jeff by dressing casually and/or wearing your Mickey Mouse attire!