A mass of Christian burial will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Mire, LA on December 22, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. to celebrate the life of Randy Paul Champagne, age 63, of Mire. Randy passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at his home surrounded by his wife and children.
Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery in Mire. Services will be officiated by Monsignor Russell J. Harrington, Pastor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church.
Randy will be remembered as an outstanding high school athlete where he was a member of the 1975 State Championship Runner-Up Football Team. He earned numerous honors including Most Valuable Offensive Player on that year’s All-State Football Team. He also held the title of State Champion Shot Putter. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to USL where he lettered four years and was a member of the All Conference Team. There he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and went on to teach and coach for 5 years. He was a highly respected influence to many young students and athletes. He then made a career change which allowed him to follow in the footsteps of his parents and brothers in the grocery industry. He successfully owned and operated Champagne’s Market in Eunice, LA for 30 years. In 2013, along with his son, he opened a second location in Carencro, LA. During his years in the grocery business, Randy demonstrated a strong work ethic that influenced many. He later was able to resume his coaching duties as he coached numerous sports teams involving his children throughout the years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Mire, LA and a member of their National Championship Softball Team. He was a lover of all sports and an avid fisherman and hunter alongside his son and numerous hunting and fishing buddies. Most important to him, though, was his love and devotion to his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Joan Lalande Champagne. He will be greatly missed by his four children, Blair Buller and husband Ben, Regan LaCombe and husband Stuart, Paige Barousse and husband Zach, and Ryan Champagne and wife Mallory. He cherished dearly his grandchildren Madden Buller, Elliot and Edison LaCombe, Iker and Otto Barousse, and Anders, Nadia and Marguerite Champagne. Also mourning his loss are his brothers Greg Champagne and wife Beth, Kevin Champagne and fiancé Kimberly, sisters Judy Boudreaux and husband Conrad, Donna Frietag and husband Karl, and Bonnie Simpson and husband Charles. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Russell Bernard Champagne and Winifred Goehring Champagne, his father-in-law Otis Lalande Jr. and grandson Aiden Paul Buller.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, with a rosary being recited at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday December 22, 2021 until the time of service.
Pallbearers are nephews Russell Champagne, Lance Champagne, Andrew Lawton, Corey Boudreaux, Jason Lalande and Pascal Lalande.
Gossen Funeral Home, 504 N. Polk Street in Rayne, LA has been entrusted with arrangements. Obituary and guestbook can be viewed at gossenfuneralhome.net.

Athletic Network Footnote by Dr. Ed Dugas.
Thanks to Jimmy Poche for providing information on Randy’s passing.
Click here for the 1979 Football Photo Gallery for Randy and his teammates.