DONALD RAY CHAMPAGNE

Donald R. Champagne departed this life on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the age of 60. He was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Orlando, FL. Donald graduated from Archbishop Shaw High School with honors and continued his studies at Tulane University on full academic scholarship. Later, he decided to join the US Army where he proudly served his country for eight years. During his time in the military, he successfully completed rigorous training in the Airborne School and Ranger School. After being honorably discharged from service after Desert Storm as a Sergeant First Class, Donald accepted a position with a government contractor which was later bought out by Lockheed Martin, where in 2005 he earned the NOVA award, the company's highest honor, for his work on their WARSIM project. During this time, he worked full time and continued his education at Colorado Technical University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. He worked as a Lead Software Engineer for over 15 years on various projects, and his ingenuity and dedication earned him numerous accolades. Over the last few years, he has continued his career as a consultant for a software engineering firm in Florida. During his time in the community Donald coached a youth soccer league in Texas for two years, and after relocating to Florida he became a Eucharistic Minister at St. Stephen Catholic Church where he also served as a catechist, teaching the Confirmation and R.C.I.A classes. When he was not working, he enjoyed golfing, playing tennis, supporting his favorite football team, the New Orleans Saints, and spending time with his family and close friends. Donald was a kind, loving, and patient man who adored his family, and was always willing to mentor and lend a helping hand. Beloved husband of Lisa Sanford Champagne. Loving father of Christina Champagne (Jordan) Holford and Sean (Melba) Champagne. Grandfather of Charlotte Champagne. Son of Joseph Gary Champagne and Nita Poche Champagne. Grandson of the late Paul Poche and Orita Gordon Poche, McCullough Champagne and Almedia Champagne. Brother of Shenita Champagne (Carlos) Baker, and Alita T. Champagne. Uncle of DeCarlos Baker, Ayo Akinwande, and Ireti Akinwande, also survived by a host of extended family and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also priest and parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 455 Ames Blvd. Marrero, LA on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10:00a.m. Father Sydney Speaks, celebrant. Visitation will begin at 8:00a.m.; Recitation of Rosary 8:45a.m.; Tribute to follow. Interment: Will Be Private. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.

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