David Eugene Campbell, husband, father, golfer, and for the most part, generally well-respected citizen of Mesquite, NV, passed away peacefully, and, surprisingly to him and everyone, in his sleep on Sunday, May 24, 2020, after orbiting the sun 74 times.
Dave leaves behind a wife, two children, two step-children, six grandchildren, a collection of 8-track tapes from the 70s, a quarter tank of propane, $192 in unpaid parking tickets, an assortment of bar coasters, and a closet full of toilet paper…apparently well prepared for a quarantine.
Born in Jerseyville, IL in 1945, Dave mischievously grew up in Decatur, IL, graduating from MacArthur High School in 1964. He later enlisted in the Army, serving two years which included one tour as a combat medic in Vietnam.
A loving, simple, stubborn man, Dave married in 1969, settled in Des Moines, IA, bought a house, had children, and moved from job to job searching for that high paying career with the least amount of responsibility. Luckily, his natural-born ability to BS made him an ideal salesman.
After his divorce, Dave later met Deb in Kellogg, IA and–thank the Lord–married in 1999. Friends and family all agree, there isn’t another woman on this planet strong enough to equally love and tolerate Dave than Deb. She always had that uncanny ability to “reel” Dave in. It was true love.
Known for his humor, Dave took every opportunity to make people laugh. Whether retelling a story or breaking into character, Dave took center stage with his bright eyes and warm smile. One could not escape his laughter.
Often, he found joy and personal amusement in the occasional prank. Stories include secretly hiding hundreds of individually wrapped toothpicks when invited to someone’s home, handing out Arby’s horseradish packets at Halloween, and an “event” on a farm where authorities, lacking criminal evidence, determined the cow had died of natural causes.
Routine and structure framed Dave’s life. Everything had its place. He was meticulous (some might say obsessive) about laundry, dog walking, trash day, and showering. No one could load a dishwasher or pack the car better than Dave. His unique ability to look busy while doing nothing at all left many in awe.
You could always count on Dave…except for money. He unselfishly shared his time and wealth of personality, but kept his wallet tighter than a sumo wrestler’s Speedo. Yet, Dave was always the first to buy a round of drinks, make new friends, and unselfishly entertain those around him.
Dave cherished his family and friends. He kept in constant contact and always looked forward to seeing you again. Whether at work or on the golf course, shooting pool or playing cribbage, when you were with Dave, you were usually having a good time.
In the end, Dave lived an extremely fulfilling life. He loved his wife and children and all those near and dear to him. Never a burden, he humbly accepted the praise and gratitude from others.
Dave Campbell will be missed.
Dave is survived by his wife, Deb, his children, J.D. (Pam) and Sarah (Michael), his step-children, Matt (Dani) and Megan, and his grandchildren, Samantha, Leah, Nicole, Kate, Jonah, and Carter.
Services at Iowa Veterans Cemetery will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020. A celebration lunch will immediately follow the ceremony. Donations can be sent to Dayton Oaks Camp & Conference Center.
Nora Rogers says
My sincerest condolences and prayers for Deb Campbell and the entire family of Dave Campbell. May God comfort you and heal your shattered spirits doing this difficult period in their lives. Nora
Deb Thomason says
Hang on to that fishing pole in heaven, I know you’ll catch a big-en. I will miss you, a fellow Midwesterner.
Glenn & Robin Arndt says
A comment not generally written about an obituary but this was one of the best written, for one of the best people. Truly capturing the essence of Dave Campbell. He will forever be missed.
Dennis Huston says
Dave Campbell, known to me as Cousin Dave, preceded me onto this Earth by exactly one year and two days. This 12 month head start gave him, in his mind anyway, the obligation to teach me what the world was all about. As teenagers, he felt it his duty to teach me the “wonders” of drinking hard liquor- soon after, I learned the wonderful art of “ throwing up”! I believe I may have been his inspiration for becoming a combat medic, because when I told him that I wasn’t “feeling well”, he handed me a couple of Alka Selzers and said knowingly, “ When in doubt…get it out… Alka Selzer knows “! That was our “go to” phrase from then forward – Alka Selzer knows!
Anyone who knew Dave could not forget his mischievous grin, that infectious laugh or his incredible ability to light up a room with a joke or a story. My heart …and my liver … will never forget him.
Rest In Peace “ Cuz” … and save me a seat at the bar!
Cousin Denny Huston
Sid Watson says
A Dearest friend of mine who I loved deeply. Hopefully we will meet up there.
Miriam Samuels says
That is the most adorable obituary I’ve ever read. He must have been a great guy.
Sam & Joy Campbell says
Great job J.D., you got the essence of bother Dave perfectly. He was a super guy and always was a lot of fun. He inherited his tight wallet from our Dad who was a true Scotsman, but for the rest of his mischievous personality none of us could identify where that came from. Dave was truly unique! He has left a huge irreplaceable hole in our lives.
God Bless Him,
Brother, Jr. Lee, Sam or Harold L Campbell Jr.
Sharon Kaul Kermes says
What an amazing obituary for my former classmate Dave Campbell… prayers for his wife, children and grandchildren as they grieve and miss him so much… 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🛐☮ may he rest in the Everlasting Arms! 💗
Mike Longstreet says
Dave, I just don’t know what to say. We went all through school together. You were always there and always my friend. We talked just month ago by phone planning golf outing for the next MacArthur get together. A friend who was always there, no longer.
RIP MY FRIEND.
Tana says
Dave, You had such a special spirit that filled everyone that you contacted. I felt your spirit every time we were together. RIP my friend as your spirit lives on.
Your friend Tana❤️❤️
Bill Rumelhart says
“Oh whata guy”! Dave . . you certainly did fit the old adage “they don’t make em like you anymore”, and the world is definitely grateful for that! We spent many a day/night/day/night having lots of fun, telling lots of lies and appreciating the life that “the man upstairs” granted us. You will certainly be missed . . but never forgotten. How can you forget someone that made your life and those around you a lot less sober . . and happy to be that way!!
Nelda Osgood says
Wow! I’ve never enjoyed reading an obituary before! Dave was obviously surrounded by clever, mischievous people. Condolences to you, Deb.
Bruce Proctor says
May 24 was definitely a sad day for me when Deb called about Dave. JD, you hit the nail on the head describing your dad. The obit was awesome and one of the best. My voyage with that scoundrel was only 54 revolutions around the sun and that was too quick. I will refrain from describing the many adventures and memories Dave and I experienced just in case my children and grandchildren happen to read these comments. Needless to say, some keep me awake at night and others keep me in tears and laughter. I have to say that I was privileged to have experienced a softer side of Dave after David T. passed away in 1990. He also called me last year distressed about having to put down their beloved dog, Eddie. Dave had a heart. He was the softest hard guy I have known, and admittedly I will miss him a lot. I loved that guy. My prayers to Deb and the family.
Steve Hermie says
So sorry for your loss. The obituary was well written!! I didn’t know Dave but he sounds like he was a great man in many way!! Prayers for all!!
Mickey & Denny winter says
Dave will truly be missed by many. He seems to have had an impacted many lives. Now your guardian angel ( with little nubs on top) Ha ha, and smiling. This is one of the best obituaries I have ever read. I laughed, cried, smiled, grinned, what more can I say .Good by friend.
DOUG NIEMEYER says
I WONDER IF THE GUY THAT OWNED THE COW MISSES HIM IF THAT WERE ONE OF MY COWS HED BEEN DEAD MANY ORBITS AGO!