Herbert (Champ) Champine

Herbert Champine passed from his earthly life to eternal life with the Lord on May 18, 2022, at the age of 87. “Herbie” was born to Joseph and Vertice Champine in Miamisburg, Ohio.
   After the death of his parents, he and his siblings lived on a farm near Dayton, Ohio with their
Uncle Paul and Aunt Blanche Crutchfield. Later he moved to Santa Clara, California with his Aunt Blanche and attended Santa Clara High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. It was during his final assignment in the Naval Air at Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi, Texas that he met his wife of 63 years, Eileen Nemec. During his time in the Navy, his familial moniker of Herbie was changed to “Champ,” by which he has been known by family, friends, and colleagues ever since. The moniker was the combination of part of his last name and his prowess in the sport of boxing at the base.

Orphaned at an early age and watching the siblings split up, Champ became the ultimate family man after his marriage, sacrificing his time, energy, and talents for his wife, children, and grandchildren by participating in their activities from choir concerts to ballgames and from alter service to boys’ and girls’ scouts and many others. A quiet and simple man, Champ gleaned pleasure from watching his family succeed. His children became recognized scholars. He served his church and his community through these activities and through 59 years of work in the plumbing industry.

The family enjoyed vacations throughout the continental United States as well as Hawaii and Alaska. After retirement, Champ and Eileen made numerous trips to European nations and visited relatives in the historical region of Moravia in the Czech Republic. Though ill on his final trip, he accompanied his wife on her dream trip to Israel to see the Holy Land.

Champ was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: sisters, Gladys Williams and Irma Retzlaff, and brother, Russell Champine. Also preceding him were his parents-in-law, James and Rosie Havelka Nemec, to whom he became a son; brother-in-law, Gilbert Nemec; beloved niece and nephew, Diane Nemec Powell and Kenneth Nemec, and much-loved great nephew, Phillip Nemec.

Surviving to mourn his loss are his wife, his children and their families: daughter Kim Yourick and spouse George; and their children, Justin and Allison Yourick; son Dr. Michael J. Champine and spouse Dr. Julie Champine and their children, Michael S. and Danielle Champine; son Joseph T. Champine and spouse Krista; and their children: Julia, Joseph R. (Jojo), Joshua and Katrina , Mary-Florence (Florie), JohnMichael (Bopper), Paige, Anastasia (Ana) Champine and John Kidwell. Also surviving is great-granddaughter, Kailee Yourick. Champ became “Pops” to the grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Champ’s grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Champ’s niece and nephews: Larry and Tina Nemec, Gregory Nemec, Sheryl and Mark Awe, Adam and Ashleigh Powell, and Sean and Courtney Nemec.

The family wants to extend thanks to Champ’s caregivers: Diane Moreno, aka God’s angel on earth, Carla Kirby, Patsy James, and Janie Zamora; a special friend, Isidro Perez; and Champ’s physicians: Dr. John E. Schulze, long-time primary care physician; Gregg Silverman, cardiologist; and Dr. Loretta Nastoupil, wonderful oncologist at M.D. Anderson. Thanks are also extended to Dr. Ryan Heise, Dr. Brian Le, and Dr. Namitha Govinda at Texas Health Presbyterian of Dallas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022, with a Rosary to be recited at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel at 7:00 p.m. A Catholic Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 5830 Williams Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78412.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M.D. Anderson in Champ’s memory or in the honor of Dr. Loretta Nastoupil, to a charity of choice, or to masses for the souls of departed family members.