Mr. Charles F. Champion, 81 years old, husband of Irene T. Champion passed away on Thursday June 18, 2026 in Baldwin Park, California.

Mr. Charles Champion was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on November 22, 1944. He was the son of Revered L.D. Champion and Luella Ruffin Champion. Charles was the youngest of three children, sister Dr. Dewaundee Green and Lawrence Champion.

Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and united with the Evergreen Baptist Church of El Dorado, Arkansas and later after leaving Arkansas united with Ebenezer Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California.

Charles, or as he was fondly known as “The Big Guy,” received his early education in the El Dorado Arkansas School District and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he served as class president. Charles attended AM&N College in Pine Bluff Arkansas where he received a Bachelors of Arts degree in History. Charles worked for four years as a teacher in Arkansas before moving to Los Angeles in 1969. He attended Cal Lutheran University where he received a Master’s Degree in School Administration.

Charles served the Los Angeles Unified School District from 1969-2009, for a total of 39 years. For his hard work between 1969-1984 he received an award for outstanding service and dedication to the students of Gompers Jr. High School. For the years of 2003-2004 and again in 2004-2005 Charles received the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” award, which honors the Nation’s most respected teachers. Aside from teaching, Charles worked as a Los Angeles County probation officer and as a Los Angeles County children’s social worker until 2003.

Charles was a content, happy and generous person. He was always giving and helpful to those who were in need. Charles loved sports and often spent time on the sofa watching his favorite teams and sports commentators. Charles looked forward to yearly cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and the Mexican Riveria. Every summer Charles enjoyed going to jazz concerts at the Hyatt Newport Hotel in Newport Beach with his wife, Irene. He also enjoyed going to the movies.

Charles favorite saying was “There you go,” and stated some of the best times of his life occurred during his years at Washington High School. Charles greatly enjoyed reminiscing with old friends and his family.

Charles met his wife, Irene in 1973, whom he shared 43 years of marriage and friendship with. Charles has one daughter, Carmencita Robinson Smith, and Irene has one daughter, Kicheko, and one granddaughter Nadjah. Charles is survived by his wife Irene, daughter Carmencita, step-daughter Kicheko and step-granddaughter Nadjah. Charles has five grandchildren: Cordell, Cammi, Chance, Choice and Christian, and has sixteen great grandchildren. Charles has two nieces, Jahwaundee and Shondra, and one nephew Anthony, four great nieces: Sasha, Jaide, Courtney and Antoinette and a sister-in-law, Charity Champion.

Charles enjoyed life, which was reflected in his love for Christ, family, students and friends.