Porter Gene Champion

Porter Gene Champion, age 89, a resident of Albuquerque since 1951, died Sunday, January 21, 2018. He is survived by his children, Barbara J. Thorn and husband, Fred R., and Brian W. Champion; three grandchildren, Debbie Revoir and husband, Chris, Mark Thorn and wife, Stephanie, and Chris Thorn and fiance, Lorilee Miracle; great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Hoyum, Lexi and C. J. Revoir, Austin and Jax Thorn, and Caitlyn and Royse Baker; sister, Iris Greer; lots of extended family in NC; and many friends. Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Carol J. Champion, on December 22, 2017; parents, Porter Nevelle and Mary Myrtle Crawford Champion; and one brother, Gary Borders. Gene was born in 1928 in Shelby, NC. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 and proudly served during the Korean Conflict. Shortly after his discharge he met Jean at a church roller skating function and they were married on November 12, 1954. They were long time members of Highland Baptist Church and were active with the Keenagers at Monterey Baptist Church. He was active in the Albuquerque Square Dance Association. Gene retired from the City of Albuquerque as a bus driver. Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Friends may visit Saturday, February 3, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. till a service at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH-Lomas. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s name to Navajo Missions, 2103 W. Main Street, Farmington, NM 87401 or the Rock at Noon Day Ministries, 2400 Second Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Please visit our online guestbook for Gene at www.FrenchFunerals.com