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.
Larry was my first “really true” boyfriend. I have not had much contact with him over the years but do remember that he was a animal lover and it looks like that carried on with him in life. I would like to add to my “bucket list” to meet his two grandsons as I am sure I will see the positive impact that he left them with. My thoughts are with the family.
My father was William Henry Campbell Jr…the oldest brother too Larry ,so sorry to hear of his loss,prayers going out to his Michelle and her children… he was a loving man and i always enjoyed visiting him and our Campbell family….he loved his cats as did his Mama … always had lots of cats around…Larry was a lot like grandpa …. gentle and always told lots of stories …will miss him and loved him…Teresa Campbell
I’m sorry to inform you but Michele passed away July 2016.
Larry and I worked together in 1986-1988 at the Oklahoma Military Department (now Joint Forces Headquarters) in the Support Personnel Management Office (civilian staffing). We affectionately referred to Larry as “The Great One” because he truly was a great person. Several of us spent a lot of time in CWO Loyd Todd’s office (God rest his soul) “smoking and joking”. Yes, you could smoke in the buildings back then! Larry had a wicked sense of humor and would do anything in the world for you. Although I didn’t keep in touch with Larry I will always hold fond memories of The Great One. Rest in Peace, friend.
It was an honor to have served with him.
I met Larry when he was a young troop in HHC 179th Inf in Edmond OK in 1966. I remember him as being fine carpenter in civilian life. He was a good soldier and I do remember his great sense of humor. I was the AST there just prior to going to Viet Nam in 1967. May God Bless Larry and his family.
I remember Larry fondly and always appreciated his sense of humor. He was a great help to me many times over the course of our military careers.
I served with Larry here in Edmond when he was Ist Sgt . I always remember his great sense of humor. I work at Wal-Mart here in Edmond, and have seen him with his grandsons. He enjoyed shopping with them, and I enjoyed visiting with him. I will miss him.
I served with Larry here in Edmond when he was First Sergeant. I always enjoyed his great sense of humor. He was great to work with. I work part time at Wal-Mart, and he has came in with his grandsons, and I would always enjoy visiting with him. I will miss him.
I had the pleasure of working with Larry in the early 80’s at the Edmond Armory. He was a lot of fun to be around because he had a lot of humor and a quick wit. We took a Air National Guard flight to Hawaii and he kept me laughing every minute. He will be missed. God bless him and his family.
My father was William Henry Campbell Jr…the oldest brother too Larry ,so sorry to hear of his loss,prayers going out to his Michelle and her children… he was a loving man and i always enjoyed visiting him and our Campbell family….he loved his cats as did his Mama … always had lots of cats around…Larry was a lot like grandpa …. gentle and always told lots of stories …will miss him and loved him…Teresa Campbell