Stanford Joseph Champagne, Sr., 76, of Port Arthur, passed away on Wednesday evening, September 30th, at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas.  There will be a viewing on Saturday, Oct. 17th, at St. James Catholic Church on Gulfway Drive, at 8 a.m.  The funeral service will follow immediately at approximately at 9:15 a.m.
Stanford spent his early years in Rayne, prior to moving to Port Arthur, Texas in 1969, with his beautiful wife, Mattie Bercier Champagne, and two sons, Stanford Joseph Champagne, Jr. and Carl Joseph Champagne. He was later blessed with a beautiful daughter, Cynthia Marie Champagne-Young.  He raised his family as members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  After its closing, he began attending mass regularly at St. James Catholic Church.
Stanford’s profession was in construction.  He eventually retired in 1997 as a cement finisher.  He was also a member of the Golden Eagle Van Club, where his wife and he, along with club members, traveled throughout the country in their personalized vans.  Traveling and helping those who were in need, were two of his greatest passions in life.
He was preceded in death by parents, Gladys Logan and Paul “Ovey” Champagne, Sr., his brothers Dallas Wilson, Jr., Warren Wilson, and Frederick Wilson, stepfather Dallas Wilson, Sr. and sister, Bernice Warfield.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mattie Bercier Champagne; and his children, Stanford Champagne, Jr., Carl Champagne (Jane), and Cynthia Champagne- Young (James Young Jr.). His grandchildren, Jayla Young, Jules Young, Aliza Champagne and Carl Champagne, Jr..  His brothers and sisters: Verna Mae Taylor (Leroy), Henrietta Harmon, Rena Nazamani, Terry Guidry (Queenie), Phillip Wilson (Telisha), Albert Wilson, Donald Mike Wilson (Juana), Jacob Wilson, Lewis Wilson (Charmaine), Harrison J. Wilson (Verna), Chester Wilson, Allan Wilson (Gloria), Marvin Champagne (Linda), Kathleen Guillory (Charles), Claude Champagne (Gwen), Paul Champagne (Donella), Yvonne Landry (Harvey), Michael Champagne (Alice), Adrienne Reynolds (Juacane), Lisa Champagne and Charlene Batiste (Tromy). And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Arrangements under the direction of Gabriel Funeral Home.