Allan P. Champlin, 91, a lifelong resident of Downsville, passed away on Saturday morning, December 31, 2016 at Robinson Terrace in Stamford, following a long illness.

Al was born on September 9, 1925 in the Town Of Colchester the son of the late J. Perry and Mabel (Clapperton) Champlin. He graduated from Downsville Central School as salutatorian of the class of 1943 where he played football, basketball and baseball. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WW II. On October 31, 1947 he married the former Wilma Townsend. She predeceased him on February 29, 2012. He worked for Shields and Son, Miller and Fitch, the Dairyman's League, and on construction for many years which included the building of the Downsville Dam.

Al retired as the Superintendent of Building and Grounds at Downsville Central School, where he also worked as a custodian and bus driver. He served on the Town of Colchester Board as a Councilman. He was a member of the Colchester Community Church where he served as a Trustee, and was a lifetime member of the James S. Moore American Legion Post 167, where he held many local, county and state district and department offices, worked with the Boys State program, Legion Baseball and the Oxford Veterans Home.

"Champ" played on the baseball town team as a short stop, second baseman, and pitcher. He was also instrumental in starting the Saturday morning basketball program in Downsville. He enjoyed teaching the boys the fundamentals of basketball and mentoring kids in and out of school. He enjoyed working in his shop, and mowing the lawn. Al will be remembered as a kind man who gave willingly to his community and church. He enjoyed stopping at the Downsville Diner for a cup of coffee. His quick wit and "one liners" will be missed by all.

Al is survived by his loving family, his children, Tom and Janet Champlin of Downsville; Carol Champlin of Maryland, NY; Kathleen and Tim Moon of Apache Junction, AZ; his grandchildren, Robb (Marne), Joseph (Cynthia), Gary, Sterling (Julie), Jennifer, Nick (Stephanie), his great grandchildren, Melanie, Elizabeth, Shannon, Sarah, Connor, Madison, Gavin, Brianna, Scott, Courtney, Benson, Sylvan, his sister in law, Catherine Townsend of Downsville; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Anna Champlin, and his sister, Grace Bryden.

Friends are invited to call on Friday evening, January 27, 2017 from 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday morning, January 28, 2017 at the Colchester Community Church, with the Rev. Dale Ashby, officiating. >

Memorial contributions in Al's memory may be made to Colchester Community Church, 15151 State Highway 30, Downsville, New York 13755 or New York State Veteran's Home, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, New York 13830.