Edward M. "Ed" Champagne, age 82, of Cedarville Rd., Town of Litchfield, a lifelong valley resident, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2007. Ed was born July 4, 1924 in Ilion, son of the late Roy and Frances (Morris) Champagne. He attended Ilion Schools. Ed was a proud veteran of WWII, serving with the US Navy. On January 8, 1955, Ed was united in marriage to Patricia "Pat" Thomas at St. Joseph's Church in W. Winfield, a blessed union of 52 years. Ed retired from the Remington Arms Co. in 1985 and drove school bus for many years. He was owner/operator of Champagne's Market on Second St. for many years, closing in 1975. At one time he was co-owner of Maple Crest Golf Course. At one time he enjoyed bowling with his league, golfing and fishing. Ed was a family man whose life was centered around his loved ones. He was a lifetime member of the Ilion KofC and the Ilion American Legion Post 920. He was of the Roman Catholic faith. Survivors include his wife, Pat; three daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Szewczyk and her husband, Peter of Ilion, Therese Colwell and her husband, Richard "Skip" of Herkimer, Barbara Lincourt and her husband, Jim of Litchfield; two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Champagne and his wife, Dana of Herkimer, Christopher Champagne of Cedarville and Sandy Champagne of Ilion; his cherished grandchildren, Michael Taylor, Emily and Jason Champagne, Andrea Szewczyk, Jeremiah, Carley and Jamie Lincourt, Christopher, Benjamin, Abby and Jack Champagne; and one great-grandchild, Brook Champagne; two brothers-in-law, George and Mike Thomas of W. Winfield; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and his very special friend, Frank "Fran" Jenne of FL. Ed was predeceased by his son, John in 2002; and his sister, Therese Warburton. Ed's funeral service will be held Sunday, February 25th, commencing at 4 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, with Father Terrence Healey officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 p.m., prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. The Ilion KofC will pay respects at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorials in Ed's name to the Frankfort/Ilion Food Pantry or the Cedarville Vol. Fire Dept. Ambulance Corps. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.