Donald Eugene Champlin, 71, a former Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus driver/supervisor, died on October 5, 2013 in Tampa, Florida, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He moved to Tampa eleven years ago after retiring from RIPTA after 30 years. He was the husband of Dianna (Sylvia) Champlin.



Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Arthur and Viola (Pressley) Champlin. He leaves his children, one son, Arthur, (wife Nichole) of Allen, Texas; three daughters, Sandra Laughlin (husband Brian) of East Providence, Rhode Island; daughter, Lillian Varner, (husband Floyd) of Tampa; and daughter, Sybil Bailey, (husband Robert) of Providence, RI; two brothers, Allen Champlin of Providence, RI and Arthur Champlin of Bristol, RI; three sisters, Yvonne Marie McCoy of Irwin, North Carolina; Dolores Yaskovie of Foster, RI and Carol Bradley, of Providence; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.



Throughout adulthood, Donald grew to become an avid and prolific collector of model railroads and buses. His fascination was spawned early in his youth which eventually introduced him to like-minded enthusiasts from around the world. His social involvements included: Being an honorary member of American Legion Post 69, Providence, RI; Past Member The Big Wheels Club of Boston, MA and Past member of the Sophisticated Gents of RI.

"ENTRUSTED INTO OUR CARE"