Catlin inventor Charles V. Champion Sr.

Catlin History Online

Catlin inventor (cont.)

Champion

In 1931, Mr. Charles V. Champion was appointed Postmaster at Catlin.

Mr. Champion died suddenly on February 14, 1936 a few minutes before he was to have watched his son play basketball.

Charles Virgil Champion, suddenly collapsed and died in the Catlin High School Gym shortly after purchasing his ticket and proceeding to the balcony. His son, Lloyd, an eighth grade student was to have played in a game preliminary to the high school game. All games were cancelled.

His obituary continued: Mr. Champion had been in good health, and was looking forward with usual eagerness to the games. He was a loyal supporter of the Catlin squad, and also was keenly interested [in] the Catlin Grade School team.

Several years ago he invented a pop corn vending machine, and built a factory in Danville for its manufacture. For some time many men were employed in the factory, which subsequently was moved to Chicago after being purchased by Chicago men.

Mr. Champion was born Jan. 13, 1879 in Catlin, son of Francis M. and Jane Church Champion, and lived all of his [life] in Vermilion County.

Besides the son, Lloyd, the widow, Mrs. Mary Wakeland Champion, another son, Charles Virgil Champion, Jr., Indianapolis, and a daughter, Mrs. Irene Louck, Catlin, survive. He also has a bachelor brother, Lloyd, Los Angeles, and three sisters, Mrs. Anna Jones and Mrs. J. W. McIntyre, both of Catlin, and Mrs. Fred Stoesiger, Sioux City, Iowa. His first wife, Mrs. Burda Ruby Champion, died Feb. 13, 1919.

He was a member of the Catlin Methodist Church, Masonic Blue Lodge at Catlin, and Danville Consistory.

The body was taken to Berhalter Funeral Home, Danville, and was returned to the residence that Saturday afternoon.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Monday at Catlin M.E. Church, with the Rev. R. Wroughton, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin.

Sources and materials (Catalogues, charter, photos, etc.), newspaper articles, letters, E. Ruth Martin, Ben Louck Estate, Mary Jane Champion and Mrs. John (Josephine) Vitkevic.