Elster Nelson "Champ" Champlin, 80

Elster Nelson "Champ" Champlin, 80, of Forest City, went to be with the Lord on March 31, 2017.

Champ was born in Plattsmouth, NE on June 21, 1936. He served in the US Navy and retired from civilian work for the US military. After moving to Rutherfordton, NC in 1995, he worked at Walmart in Spindale where he met many friends and acquaintances. You could find him country dancing on the weekends, also enjoying visiting and lending a helping hand to family and friends. Champ enjoyed a long life and was at peace with death.

He is preceded in death by his Father Nelson Champlin and Mother Esma May Piper.

Champ is survived by children; son Gary Nelson and wife Tina Champlin of Colorado and daughter Yvonne Leda Marcyes of California; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Gantenbein of Rutherfordton with daughters, Bobbie McCallum, Teddy Davis, Dale Ann and husband James Edmonds and Dawn Elaine and husband Genaro Oyarazabal of California. There are also two sisters, Beverly Trebes of Forest City with daughter Catherine Trebes of Africia and son Chuck Trebes of Forest City. He also leaves four great-grandchildren and many great and great great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held in the Cool Springs Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

Champ, you are greatly loved and will be missed... until we meet again! Precious in the eyes of the Lord are the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.