Larry Don Campbell
1941-2016
On the evening of January 11, 2016, Larry passed away after a brief battle with cancer while being attended by caring staff members at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital-North in Oklahoma City. He was with his nephews when he passed. Larry was 74 years old.
Larry was born in the town of Iowa Park, Texas at 10:00am on August 11, 1941. He was the fifth child of William Henry Campbell and Jessie Mae Campbell (Conway).
Larry grew up in Iowa Park, Texas and then moved with his family to various locations in Oklahoma and Kansas before finally settling in Edmond, Oklahoma in 1962. He enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1964 and attended basic training in Fort Polk, Louisiana. After training he worked in construction with his family while still serving in the National Guard. Larry attained a full time guard position and served in various positions at the National Guard armory in Edmond. In 1988 he was promoted to Sergeant Major and was transferred to the Oklahoma Military Department where he served until his retirement in 1994.
Larry was married to Marion "Susan" Gibson in 1971 and they had one daughter, Michelle Lynn Campbell in 1973.
Larry loved the holidays and he especially loved the many infamous pitch card game tournaments and the time spent with his family. Larry had a kind heart for animals and had many dogs and cats over the years. He was known as the "tuna man" at the Crest Foods in Edmond because of the large amount he bought for his cats who many thought he treated better than himself.
Larry devoted the last five years of his life to raising his two grandsons, Alex and Garrett, whom he loved dearly. Alex and Garrett referred to him affectionately as "Poppy".
Larry was preceded in death by his wife Susan, parents William Henry and Jessie Mae Campbell, sister Annette Paul, and brothers William Henry Jr. (Junior), Dan and Jerry Campbell.
Larry is survived by his daughter Michelle Campbell of Edmond, beloved grandsons Alex and Garrett Kerley, sister-in-law Mary Ann Campbell and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and other extended family members.
Many people saw the hardened exterior of a Sergeant Major while speaking with him, but Larry was also a very caring and compassionate man who put others before himself. His memory, lessons and laughter will help us through our time of grief.
Viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2016 at Matthews Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Gracelawn Cemetery.