Paul Emile Champoux

Paul Emile Champoux of Fremont, CA passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2016, at the age of 92. Paul was born on August 14, 1924, in Lewiston, ME to French-Canadian parents, Damien Champoux and Anna Marie LaChance. Paul married Therese (Terry) Melanson on December 31, 1951 at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in New Bedford, MA. He served 20 years in the Navy and defended the United States in World War II, and the Korean War. Paul was a Chief Petty Officer in aviation ordinance and served on the USS Leyte, USS Lake Champlain, USS Boxer, USS Coral Sea, and retired from the USS Midway. Paul was decorated with many medals for his years of service. He worked for the US Postal Service for 17 years and many years at Dale Hardware. Paul is proceeded in death by his sisters Ida and Terry, and his brother Leo and oldest daughter, Christine Balloue and grandson, Aaron Balloue. Paul is survived by Terry his wife of 65 years, Roxanne Keller, Louise Schaffer, Michelle Lammers, Denise Espinoza, Paul P. Champoux, Jacqueline Anderson, Patricia Champoux and John Champoux. Paul was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Paul learned to speak French before he spoke English. His father died when he was 5 years old and his mother passed away when he was 12. He spent 2 years in the LaSalette Missionaries before enlisting in the Navy. He was an avid fisherman, taught his family and grandsons how to fish, loved to take his family camping, was a carpenter and handy-man and shared his skills with his sons. He continually took college courses to learn Spanish, and sharpen his carpentry and electrical skills. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association and a devout Catholic and devoted husband and father. Service Schedule for Tuesday, December 27, 2016: Viewing: Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont at 10:30am-11:30am Funeral Mass: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 41933 Blacow Road, Fremont at 12:00pm-1:00pm Burial: Lima Family, Cedar Lawn Mortuary, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd. Fremont at 1:30pm The family of Paul Champoux wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all who have crossed his path in his 92 years of life.