Joe Marvin Champion Jr.

Word has been received of the death of Joe Marvin Champion, Jr., 73, of Devol, Oklahoma.
Mr. Champion passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Joe on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Grandfield Senior Citizen's Center.  
Arrangements are under the direction of Gray Funeral Home, Grandfield, Oklahoma.
Joe was born on April 25, 1945 in Burkburnett, Texas to Joe Marvin Champion, Sr. and Naomi Ruth (Coker) Champion. He grew up on a farm near Devol and attended Devol Elementary School, graduating from Big Pasture High School in 1963. He attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University and then served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966 until 1972. Joe married Lila Ruth Lawson on June 20, 1967 in Durant, Oklahoma. He was a farmer in Devol for many years, living there with Ruth from 1968 until his passing. He was a member of the Devol First Baptist Church. Joe joined the Grandfield Masonic Lodge in 1968 where he was an active member and Past Master He served as treasurer for many years until December of 2018. Joe was actively involved in community fundraisers for the surrounding communities. He served on the board of the Grandfield Senior Citizen's Center.   
He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Lawson Champion, of the home; two sons, Joe M. Champion III and Johnny Naramor; two daughters, Vanessa C. Champion and Tara D. Crane; his sister, Shirley Champion Cox; nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Joe M. Champion, Sr., and Naomi Ruth Coker Champion.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Grandfield Senior Citizen's Center or to the Grandfield Masonic Lodge Perpetual Membership Fund for Joe Champion at PO Box 715, Grandfield, Oklahoma 73546.