David Nicklos "Nickie" Champagne, age 80, passed away on October 24, 2024, in Beaumont, TX. Born on May 30, 1944, to Nassie J. and Mary Louise Champagne, he grew up in a close-knit family and attended Port Neches-Groves High School.
Nick married his high school sweetheart, Myrna Janssens in 1966 and they remained happily together for 58 years. He stayed lovingly and tirelessly by her side as her caregiver for the past several years. He proudly served in the Coast Guard Reserves and professionally, was a skilled machinist at Gulf Refinery, where he worked for over 40 years and was a proud Labor Union Representative. He attended the Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Nick was a man of dry humor, faith, hard work and dedication to his family. Their home was a gathering place for holidays and entertaining loved ones. He loved day trips to Delta Downs with his family. He enjoyed tending to his garden - a love that he shared with his wife and in-laws - and in his retirement, loved rocking on the patio enjoying his backyard. He will leave a lasting impact on everyone who knew him and deserves to have his long years of fatherly and grandfatherly love honored. His legacy will live on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
Nick is survived by his loving wife, Myrna Champagne; his sons, Chris Champagne and Matt Champagne; and his daughter, Celena Champagne Green. He was a cherished grandfather to Quincy Green and Cate Green and an uncle to 15 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Quincy and Rudy Janssens; his brother, John Champagne; his sister, Alice Faye Gonzalez; and his grandson, Zachary Christopher Green. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
The family would like to express their thanks to the nursing staff at Mid Jefferson Rehabilitation Facility, Beaumont, for their care and kindness in his final days.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m., at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland.