Alan Merril Champlin

Alan Merril Champlin, faithful Christian, husband, father and grandfather went home to be with the Lord, on October 12, 2018 at the end of a week-long pack trip deer hunting in the Golden Trout Wilderness, Sierra Nevada’s within the Sequoia and Inyo National Forest from a heart attack.

Alan was born in Hanford, CA on September 11, 1958 to Karl and Janice Champlin of Oakhurst, CA and formerly, Morro Bay and Hanford, CA.  He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Marlene Champlin, in their home of Modesto, CA 

He graduated from Hanford Union High School in 1976 and attended College of the Sequoias, Visalia.  Alan was active in 4-H and FFA showing animals, served as an officer and was a member of a State Champion judging team and competed at the FFA National Finals. He was involved in modified midget racing for a time, played baseball as a youngster and remained a constant Giants fan throughout his life. 

Alan worked for Williams Tank Lines, Stockton, CA as a driver and driver trainer.  He and his wife, Marlene own Campbell & Associates, Advertising and Productions.  For most of his life he farmed, did custom farming and trucking with his family until the mid 2000’s when he reconnected with and married Marlene, his high school sweetheart and relocated to Modesto.  He and Marlene attended Big Valley Grace church in Modesto and were devoted to their faith in Christ.  He remained an avid outdoorsman his entire life and thoroughly enjoyed introducing his grandchildren to the adventures of the outdoors through fishing, hunting and camping as well as attending their sports and school events.

 Alan is survived by his parents Karl and Janice Champlin of Oakhurst;  his sisters, Debora Westwood of Oakhurst, Tisha Schafer and her husband, Mike Schafer and their son Brian Schafer of Madera.  His children, son Robert Champlin of Farmington, Arkansas; daughter Ashly Champlin of Farmington, Arkansas; step-son Aram Kevorkian of Hanford, California; step-son John Kevorkian of Clovis, California and step-daughter Beth Sweetman of Modesto, California.  His grandchildren, Katie and Kody Kevorkian of Hanford, California; Aiden, Logan, Lily and Claire Sweetman of Modesto, California; Josh Hill of Clovis, California; Lucas Jack, Anabel Lee, Octvia Champlin of Farmington, Arkansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 26, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at Franklin & Downs, 1050 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA. 

Any donation memorials can be made to Modesto Sunrise Rotary, modestosunriserotary.org

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.