Dennis R. Campbell, 81, of Eddyville, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY.
He was born January 17, 1943, in Russellville, MO, the son of Dennis Wesley (DW) and Rubycile (Tambke) Campbell.
He married Bernita Sturm on July 10, 1971, and she preceded him in death on August 7, 2009. He later married Phyllis Glore in Eddyville, KY, and they enjoyed several happy years together.
Dennis was an Eagle Scout, US Army veteran and a graduate of Gupton School of Mortuary Science in Nashville, TN. He worked for many years as a mortician and funeral director, co-owning Sturm Funeral Homes in Grayville and Crossville, IL, until his retirement in 2003.
Dennis loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who lovingly called him Papaw, being part of his Refuge Church family, and previously enjoyed boating, fishing and golfing. He was an accomplished musician and could play any brass instrument. Dennis loved a good joke, and he had a dry, quick wit that kept everyone laughing. He was a craftsman and could fix anything.
He was very active in community service and was one of the founders of the Grayville Community Arts Association, which spearheaded the renovation of the historic Wabash Theater in Grayville. He served as one of the earliest presidents of the GCAA, was a 50-year member of the Grayville Lions Club and former president, was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite of St. Charles, MO, served on the Community Development Board which led to the creation and staffing of Grayville’s medical clinic, was an EMT and EMT instructor, helping to establish the Grayville Ambulance Service, was on the Little Wabash Fire Protection District as a director and firefighter, implementing firefighter instruction classes, and served on the White County 9-1-1 Board, which implemented 9-1-1 service. He served two terms as a city councilman in Grayville during the 70s and 80s and was mayor for four years. He did so much for his adopted hometown.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Glore-Campbell; one daughter, Andi Ford and husband Doug of Grayville, IL; a daughter, Delores and husband Tino Drish-Young of Eddyville: one son, Eli Espinoza and wife Mackenzie of Eddyville;
Three grandsons, Jacob and Tanner Ford of Grayville, IL and Ezra Espinoza of Eddyville; two granddaughters, Katherine and Karaline Drish-Young of Eddyville, KY. He is also survived by several nieces in Missouri and a niece and two nephews in Helsinki, Finland.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gene, sisters Shirley, Betty and Jane; and his beloved corgi, Duke.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Lakeland Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Lakeland Funeral Home with Pastor Willis “Bill” Kline officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Rolling Hills Cemetery.
