01/07/2026
Joseph Champlin
Joseph “Joe” Champlin, 61, passed away on Friday evening, December 12, 2025, he was able to walk his daughter Rachel down the aisle on December 6, 2025 and unexpectedly passed 6 days later enroute to BSW ER, Waco, Texas. Joe was born on June 14, 1964, in Long Beach, California. He was raised primarily in Connecticut, where he developed early interests in hockey, baseball, and football—interests that shaped much of his life and community involvement.
He graduated from Plano High School, Texas in 1982 and went on to attend Naval technical schools, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment to service. Joe proudly served in the United States Navy for 21 years, retiring in 2007 as a Chief Petty Officer - ADC(AW).
During his naval career, Joe served with distinction across multiple aviation platforms and squadrons. He worked extensively with the F-14 Tomcat for approximately 14 years, until the aircraft was retired, after which he served with the F/A-18 Hornet. He later joined VX-23, contributing to aircraft testing and ultimately to the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program.
Joe’s career included service with numerous squadrons and units, including VF-2, VF-211, VF-24, AIMD, VFA units, VX-23, VF-124, VF-213 and others, and assignments aboard multiple naval vessels. His service spanned critical periods of modern military history, including Operation Desert Storm, Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraq Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.
Over the course of his career, Joe received many military honors and commendations, including five Navy Unit Commendations, five Navy Achievement Medals, Battle “E” Awards, Gulf War awards, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, and additional service and campaign medals reflecting his dedication and professionalism.
Joe was also a 9/11 survivor. He was injured following the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, while working on an F-14 Tomcat in preparation for war. The injuries he sustained that day resulted in service-connected disabilities that would affect his health for the remainder of his life.
On March 23, 1985, Joe married Linda Holton in Dallas, Texas. Together, they built a life grounded in family, service, and perseverance.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Joe continued working in aviation before later transitioning careers to BNSF Railway. He ultimately retired due to medical disability related to his service.
Despite ongoing health challenges, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and later dementia, Joe remained resilient and determined. Though he was eventually classified as 100% disabled, he retained long-term memory and functional abilities for many years beyond his initial diagnoses, continuing to engage meaningfully with family and the world around him.
Joe was deeply involved in sports throughout his life, not only as a participant but as a mentor and official. He served as a softball umpire from Little League through university teams and women’s fast-pitch leagues, and as a football referee from grade school through high school programs. He also enjoyed model trains, both as a collector and enthusiast, a hobby that brought him quiet satisfaction and joy.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Joanne Champlin.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Champlin; his daughter, Rachel; his sons, Erik and Shawn; and his grandchildren, Joshua, Harper, and Chelsea. He is also survived by his brother, Pat, and sisters, Pam and Jayne, along with extended family members.
Following cremation, Joe’s urn will be entrusted to a United States Navy liaison and transported to Norfolk, Virginia, where it will be taken to a designated port of call for ceremonial handling at sea.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery at Mountain Creek Lake, with family and friends invited to attend. The date of this service is pending.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s name, in lieu of flowers or other items, to either K9s for Warriors, the Wounded Warriors Foundation or the U.S.War Dogs Association...with our deepest gratitude!! The Champlin family
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