Vernel Chester Champeaux Jr. Obituary (1931

Vernel Chester Champeaux, Jr., age 93, a resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington on Thursday, September 12, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Betty Cox Champeaux with whom he enjoyed 67 years of marriage. He was born in Washington, DC on February 25, 1931 and was the son of the late Vernel Chester Champeaux, Sr. and Edith Moreland Champeaux. From the age of 7, Vernel lived in Cherry Lake, Florida. He graduated from Madison High School and attended Florida State University for one year before enlisting for four years in the Navy during the Korean War. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to FSU where he met his future wife and earned a Bachelor of Science in nuclear physics while simultaneously working three part-time jobs. After graduation, his career path included Manager of FSUs Electronics Shop; Field Engineer and later Eastern U.S. Facilities Planning Manager for Tektronix, Inc.; Senior Systems Engineer for Analytical Systems Engineering Company (ASEC, a government contractor). While employed by ASEC, he supported Tri-Service security systems developed by the Air Force including INF treaty verification. He was then subcontractor at Raytheon for the START treaty verification and finally the MILSATCOM program to multiplex the satellite communication system until his retirement in 1999. Vernel enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He was well known and respected for his humor and readiness to help others. He loved children and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his loving wife, Vernel is survived by his sister Suzanne Andersen of Cherry Lake, FL; his son Richard A. Champeaux and wife Christine of Jamison, PA; three grandchildren, Niles J. Champeaux of La Mesa, CA, Walker J. Champeaux of Stoughton, MA and Katherine Champeaux and husband Sean of Lansdale, PA; nephew Keith Andersen of Cherry Lake, FL; niece Debera Abt and husband Richard of Tallahassee, FL; and cousins. In addition to his parents, Vernel was predeceased by his infant son, William Everett and his son James Vernel Champeaux and wife Barbara Lisa. Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 21, at 11am at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 242 Boston Rd., Chelmsford. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment will follow at Heart Pond Cemetery, Chelmsford. Memorial donations may be made in Vernels memory to Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Service Details Visitation When September 20, 2024 4:00pm - 7:00pm Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Funeral Service When September 21, 2024 11:00am Location Aldersgate United Methodist Church Address 242 Boston Road CHELMSFORD, MA 01824 Interment When September 21, 2024 11:00am Location Heart Pond Cemetery Address Garrison Road/Parkerville Road CHELMSFORD, MA 01824