Joshua (Josh) David Champion

On March 25, 2025 Joshua David Champion passed away at his home in Wilburton, OK at the age of 56 after a long battle with illness.

The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2025 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be JD Champion, Zac Royer, Brody Royer, Brady Champion II, Aubrey Champion, Nate Champion, and Joe Risso.

Josh was born on September 9, 1968 to Paul James (Jim) Champion and Latha Winona (Nona) Phelps Champion in Garland, TX. Josh was the second born of seven siblings.

Josh lived in Texas until the age of 5. In 1973 his family moved to Tulsa, OK. Josh attended Jackson Elementary until the 4th Grade. He carried fond memories of his time in Tulsa and the friends he made while playing sports there. In 1977 he moved with his family to Haileyville, OK, his mother’s hometown. The town he would forever call home. He excelled in all sports while attending Haileyville High School. Football quickly became his favorite sport. He graduated with the HHS class of 1987. Josh was very proud to be a Haileyville Warrior. He cherished the memories and friendships he made while attending Haileyville School.

After High School Josh worked at National Oilwell in the machine shop. Then his career took him into the oilfield for over 25 years. Josh worked in many different states and enjoyed meeting new people. In his free time, he enjoyed watching all sports, OU football being at the top of his list. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing poker, and visiting the casino. His favorite pass time was fishing and visiting with his friends and family.

His most prized accomplishment in life was his children and grandchildren. He spent a lot of his time attending his grandchildren’s events, he was a proud Papa.

Josh is survived by his daughter, Jessica Royer and husband Zac of Wilburton, OK; his son, JD Champion and wife Katie of Wilburton, OK; two sons he raised as his own, Michael Lott and Jacob Lott of Scipio, OK; six grandchildren, Allie Lowe, Jaylee Sosa, Brody Royer, Emersyn Royer, Jaxon Champion, and Greyson Champion, all of Wilburton, OK; three brothers, Ira Champion and wife Lori of Columbus, GA, Brady Champion and Amber of Haileyville, OK, and Matt Champion of Haileyville, OK; one sister, Latha Risso and husband John of La Crescenta, CA; sister-in-law, Audra Champion of Haileyville, OK; nine nephews, Brady Champion II and wife Trei, Aubrey Champion and Hannah, Briar Champion, Caden Champion, Jack Risso, Joe Risso, Nate Champion, David Zozula, and Jimmy Zozula; two nieces, Brylee Champion and Ella Risso; great nephew, Kallen Champion; two great nieces, Karlynn and Kimbree Champion; special Friends, Eddie “Coot” Wilson, and Bill; along with a host of friends and family.

Josh is proceeded in death by his parents, Paul James “Jim” Champion and Latha “Nona” Phelps Champion; his brother, Paul Champion; and his sister, Emily Champion. The family would like to say thank you to DaVita Dialysis Center of McAlester, Carol with Choctaw Nation Tribal Transit, Melissa Thornburg and Reva Tyler with WHA.