Earl R. Campbell, 100, of Springfield, IL, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. He was born March 7, 1924 in Mechanicsburg, IL, to Daniel Ray and Grace Elnora Townsend Campbell. He married Helen Elizabeth Nevens on June 20, 1948 and she preceded him in death on November 3, 1996.
Surviving Earl are his four children, Gerry (Mary Pat, dec.) Campbell of Columbus, OH, Greg Campbell of Mechanicsburg, Ann (Earl, dec.) Forrler of Springfield, IL and Grant Campbell of Ft. Worth, TX along with his “other other” daughter, Kathy Feraris of Springfield, IL; ten grandchildren, Gretchen (Chris) Kehl and Rachel (Alan) Gummer, both of Columbus, OH, Rebecca (Phil) Goldsmith of Columbia, MO, Regina (Andrew Baldyga) Campbell of Sydney, Australia, Stacy (George) Campbell-Viamontes of Chicago, IL, Krissinda (Troy) Groth of Springfield, IL, Jake Aldridge of Mechanicsburg, IL, Rusty Forrler of Bainbridge Island, WA, Jake Forrler of Champaign, IL, and Cara (Randal) Richardson of Afton, MN; “adopted” grandchildren, Nicole Vicari, Aletha Hatfield, Kelly Benbrook, Brandy Welsh, Tasia Noble, Stephanie Hammitt and Tank Stanburry, all of Springfield, IL; 26 great and 3 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings, Daniel Vernon Campbell, Alberta Wells, Jennie Smith; and many other beloved family members.
Earl was a resident of Springfield for most of his life. He attended evening classes at Brown’s Business College during his senior year at Springfield High School. He graduated from Brown’s on January 9, 1941 and Springfield High School in May 1941. After graduation, he began working for the C&IM Railroad as a bookkeeper in the accounting department where he worked for over 40 years retiring in 1985.
He served our country dutifully during WWII in the United States Navy. Earl enlisted on Nov. 12, 1942 and received an Honorable Discharge on April 16, 1946.
He enjoyed playing softball, bowling and pinochle with friends and was a Khoury League coach for many years as well as a diehard STL Cardinals fan. He also gave his time in establishing Boy Scout Troop #2 at Christ the King School and was a Scoutmaster for many years. Earl was also a Democratic precinct committeeman for several years.
Earl was member of the Brotherhood of Railway Workers and the Chatham American Legion.
His family were founding members of Christ the King Catholic Parish, and he was baptized in the Catholic Faith on September 22, 2024, of which he was proud and felt so blessed.
After retirement, Earl found a passion for woodworking and loved making gifts not just for family, but many friends as well.
Visitation: 10:00 – 10:45 am, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Drive, Springfield, IL 62704.
Funeral Mass: 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church with Very Rev. Christopher House as Celebrant, Msgr. Michael Kuse, Rev. Joseph Ring and Rev. Alex McCullough, concelebrating. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral Mass at the CTK Parish Center. The burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery, on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 1:00 pm where military honors will be conducted.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King for school maintenance, 1930 Barberry Drive, Springfield, IL 62704, Attn. Ann.
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