Obituary

William Franklin Champe, II, 85, of Milton, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 23, 2008, surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer.  He was born August 21, 1923 in Montgomery, WV.  He graduated from Milton High School in 1942, and was named Boy Honorarian of his class.  While in high school, he earned a college scholarship to Wayne State University for music based upon his clarinet abilities.  He is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.  He is also a graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in pre-medicine.  He was a charter member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at Marshall University.  He was a proud veteran of World War II, having served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He was stationed at various locations in the Pacific Theater and fought in the Battle of Okinawa.  He ran on the West Virginia Democratic ticket for U.S. Senator in 1964.  After retiring from Huntington Alloys in 1982, with 32 years as a Research chemist, he founded Surf-Clean Chemical Corporation, which he ran until his death.  He was a former member of the American Chemical Society and the West Virginia Farm Bureau.  He was a community leader in advocating citizen property rights.  He was the oldest member of Milton Presbyterian Church and held positions as a deacon, elder, treasurer, youth director, and Sunday school teacher over the years.  He also loved to farm, enjoyed reading and being with his family.  He is survived by his wife Janice of 53 years; one daughter, Debra Eileen Champe Williams (husband, Richard); and two sons, Gregory Nile Champe (wife, Teresa) and William rankling Champe III (wife, Tiffany).  He also leaves nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  Visitation will be Friday, December 26, 2008 from 6 to 8 PM at Heck Funeral Home, Milton.  Funeral service will be conducted 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Heck Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington.