Michael Ward "Mick" Champion passed peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the age of

82. In his final days, he was able to return home, where he spent the remainder of his life surrounded by the love of his family.

Mick was born in Wichita, Kansas, and during his childhood the Champion family moved several times-from Oklahoma City to Shreveport, Louisiana-before eventually settling in Tulsa, where he spent his senior year at Edison High School. He later attended the University of Tulsa while working in the family business, Service Welding Supply.

At the age of 26, Mick was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967. After completing basic combat training at Fort Polk, Louisiana-where he graduated as the honor graduate of his company-he attended armor reconnaissance school at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He then immediately continued on to noncommissioned officer school, graduating as an E-5 and serving with the U.S. Army's First Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

In a 1986 interview with Tulsa People magazine reflecting on his service, Mick said, "It was a rough invitation into the brotherhood, but once you were in, you were in for good."

When Sgt. Champion reported to his first unit near the demilitarized zone in Vietnam, he quickly learned that there were no tanks available for his reconnaissance unit. Instead, he received on-the-job training as a helicopter observer and scout. The pilots also provided him with flight instruction on the OH-6 Cayuse helicopter so that, if necessary, the observer could fly or land the reconnaissance aircraft should the pilot become incapacitated.

Mick had been in Vietnam only one month when the OH-13 Sioux helicopter he was riding in was shot down. Just ten days later, the OH-6 "Loach" helicopter he was flying in was again struck by enemy fire and crashed. According to the Tulsa People article, he was placed on a DC-9 that had been converted into a medical transport. Mick later recalled, "The flight was full of people worse off than me."

He suffered a serious back injury and spent the following month recovering in a hospital in Okinawa, Japan. Though the care was excellent, Mick later said it was a frightening place to recover because at the time, soldiers who healed quickly could be sent back to combat. Fortunately, his injuries required further treatment in the United States, and his war service came to an end.

One of his most vivid memories came that Christmas while recovering in the hospital. A fellow soldier who had just received an artificial leg volunteered to drive Mick to the airport for his flight home to Tulsa. Mick later laughed while recalling the ride: "I didn't realize the guy had never driven a car with his new leg before. The ride was VERY memorable!"

After the holidays with family, Mick returned to the hospital and spent time assisting other recovering soldiers before completing the remainder of his service at Fort Carson, Colorado. In just 40 days in Vietnam, he was awarded two Purple Heart medals.

After returning home to Tulsa, Mick remained deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans and his community. He was active in the American Legion and the VFW, and was a life member of Disabled American Veterans. His civic involvement also included membership in the Rotary Club of Tulsa, serving as an officer in the Young Men's Club of Tulsa, and serving as past president of the Tulsa Executives Association.

In the fall of 1969, Mick met Susan on a blind date. They dated for three years before marrying at First Christian Church in Tulsa. Together they built a loving family, were married for 53 happy years, and raised two daughters, Jennifer Lee Champion and Melanie Marie Champion.

Mick loved being a father and was deeply involved in every part of his daughters' lives. Whether taking them to ballet classes and performances, volunteering with the youth group at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, cooking meals for Girl Scouts at camp, or serving proudly as a "Band Dad" helping reserve space for the band during Friday night football games, Mick was always present and eager to help.

He was an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering on OU and TU football, Tulsa Oilers hockey, and TU basketball. He also had a deep appreciation for the arts and enjoyed attending symphonies and musicals. Mick loved to travel and especially enjoyed snow skiing. Every summer he took his three "girls"-Susan, Jennifer, and Melanie-on vacations to theme parks and water parks. For Susan's 60th birthday, he surprised the entire family with a memorable two-week trip to Italy.

Professionally, Mick worked for several local mortgage banks throughout his career. To relieve stress, he found peace and renewal outdoors. Because of his back injury from Vietnam, running was not an option-but he discovered a passion for race walking. He participated in many community 5K races and eventually completed seven full marathons, including the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, the Tulsa Run, and the Lake Tahoe Marathon.

Completing the 26.2-mile distance often took him more than five hours, and there were times he was the very last person to cross the finish line-but Mick never gave up. His perseverance and determination were hallmarks of his life.

Those same qualities remained evident as he grew older. His family cherished their time with Mick-Dad-and remain deeply grateful for the love, guidance, and example he gave them. The memories he created will be held close to their hearts, and he will be dearly missed.

Mick's family warmly invites you to join them in remembering and celebrating his life. His memorial service will be held at Moore Funeral Home-Southlawn Chapel (9350 East 51st Street) on Wednesday, March 18th at 2:00 PM. Your presence would mean so much as we come together to honor Mick and share memories of the love and joy he brought into our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a contribution to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation or to a charity of your choice.

Place Of Service: Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Time & Date of Service : 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 18th, 2026