Robert Brian Champlin

Robert Brian Champlin, 69, of Vernon Center, MN, died Thursday, March 3, 2016, at Autumn Grace in Mankato.

Funeral service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Vernon Center at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 14, 2016. Visitation will be held 2-4 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Lake Crystal Mortuary and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Vernon Center Cemetery.

Brian was born on July 28, 1946, in Mankato, MN, to Robert McMichael and Gladys (Bennett) Champlin. He graduated from Garden City High School in 1964. He served as a metallurgist on the U.S.S. Cascade in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969. He worked as a police officer and later served as a councilman, volunteer firefighter and as mayor for the city of Vernon Center. He worked for many years as a school bus driver for Champlin Bus Service, which he later owned and operated until his retirement in 2009. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Mankato where he became a resident of Keystone Communities.

Brian is survived by his children: Michael (Amanda) Champlin of Blaine, MN, Bradley (Holly) Champlin of Eagan, MN, Christopher (Kristi) Champlin of Madelia, MN, Stephen (Kelly) Aguiar of Chatfield, MN, and Darlene (Jon) Mann of El Paso, TX; his sisters: Judy (Alan) Stewart of St. Paul, and Nancy (Jim) Thomas of Plymouth, MN; 12 grandchildren; 5 nephews; 5 great grandchildren; 1 great nephew and 1 great niece; and a special friend, Pat Jones of Mankato, MN; and former spouse, Lorraine Ellis of Mankato, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; and a granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Grace United Methodist Church in Vernon Center, MN.