Frank W. "June" Champlin Jr.

1924 - 2024

Frank W. "June" Champlin Jr., 99 of Dunns Corners Rd, Westerly, RI, died peacefully on Saturday January 13, 2024 at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Florence L. (Osborne) Champlin.
Born in Westerly, RI on December 13, 1924 he was the son of the late Frank W. and Doris (Collins) Champlin. Mr. Champlin owned and operated the F. Champlin Trucking Co. for over 70 years and was an original board member of the Rhode Island Independent Contractors Assoc., and belonged to the American Truck Historical Society and other professional organizations.
June was a pillar in the Dunns Corners Community and a charter & life member of the Dunns Corners Fire Department, serving as Assistant Chief for several years. He received many awards for his years of service. He was creative, smart and hard-working as shown by his dedication to building the first Dunns Corners fire truck out of scrap parts, to helping to build the jetty in Misquamicut to delivering a few loads of fill at the last minute.
June and Flo enjoyed many years of traveling throughout the United States with his camper in tow and was a long time member of the Good Sam Camping and RV Club. He also enjoyed his antique tractors and belonged to several tractor clubs. His latest projects included restoring farm tractors on which he placed his signature chrome horses. June loved being with his family and friends and especially enjoyed holding court during morning coffee. His storytelling was unparalleled and his generosity knew no bounds.
June will be sadly missed by his three children, Barbara C. Whitford of Westerly, RI, Deborah A. Olive (Bob) of Cumberland, ME and Frank "Butch" Champlin, III (Rebecca) of Westerly, RI. He was the loving grandfather of Sarah Sweeney, Lucy Freitas, Stacy Frink, Mitchell Champlin, Brian Olive and Rachel Olive Lemieux and great-grandfather of Ethan, Abby, Rebecca, Cecilia, Evelyn, Elliot, Madelyn and Benjamin. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Ned Whitford, and his sisters, Dulcie Silver, Lydia Champlin and brothers, Richard and George Champlin.
The Champlin family would like to give special thanks to Mitchell Champlin and Cydney Gregory for their devoted love, support and care given to Grampa and honorable mention to Pearl Gregory for her companionship and friendship to Grampa.
The Champlin family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 3-7 PM at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI. Burial in River Bend Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Hospital: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com