Paul Cheney Campbell

1923 - 2010

Paul Cheney Campbell 1923 - 2010 Paul Cheney Campbell was born May 3, 1923, in Long Beach California, the second of four sons born to George Montgomery and Adna Fern (Cheney) Campbell, and passed away on September 20, 2010, at home surrounded by his family. Paul grew up in Lancaster, graduated from Antelope Valley High School in 1941, and proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August, 1941. Some of his most vivid memories came from being stationed at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal in 1943, where he served as aviation mechanic, aerial gunner, plane captain, and flight engineer for a Black Cat squadron, flying nightly missions in the Southwest Pacific. He relished the opportunity to help protect his country during World War II, and was fiercely patriotic. In 1944, stationed stateside in Alameda, Paul was able to work after hours fixing watches in his Grandfather's jewelry store in Oakland. This experience proved invaluable, as he learned the intricacies of the jewelry business under the watchful eye of his successful grandfather, Lem Cheney. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Paul joined the American Jewelry Company in 1949, and with a strong work ethic and natural aptitude for good business sense, he enjoyed a long, fulfilling career as a jeweler and retail business owner. He held the office of President of the California Retail Jewelers Association in 1968, and spent 17 years on the Gemological Institute of America's Board of Directors. His extended American Jewelry Co. family were important to Paul and he considered each one a friend. The tradition continues today with son-in-law Carl Saenger at the helm of American Jewelry Company. Paul also participated in the 20/30 Club of Bakersfield and was a Mason with Libertas Lodge. Like a multi-faceted gemstone, Paul had more than one side to his personality. His many interests included collecting pocket watches, photography, traveling, hunting, current events, tennis, poker, and all things World War II. He dearly loved his ranch property north of Bakersfield where for many years friends and family gathered on weekends, and Paul could wear cowboy boots, ride horses, help neighboring ranchers rope and brand their cattle, watch the stars at night, and teach his grandchildren the finer points of shooting a rifle, and driving a Jeep. He called it "a little bit of heaven." Paul conducted his life with dignity, integrity, and a positive attitude. He loved his family, valued his friends, and he will be deeply missed. The loss of his presence leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those left behind. Paul is survived by Clair, his loving wife of 47 years; son, Paul Campbell (Linda); daughter, Becky Saenger (Carl); son, Scot Campbell (Abby); grandchildren, Tricia Reily (Mike), Jay Campbell (Nikki), Amy Saenger, Mandy Saenger, Mark Saenger, Sara White (Paul), Stephen Campbell (Jennie), Ashley Campbell, Allison Mosley (Johnny); and great-grandchildren, Kiara Campbell, Rhiannon Campbell, and Cara Campbell. The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses, and technicians at DaVita Dialysis for their superb care during the last six years; and a special thank-you to Elsie Stevens, whom Paul treasured. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 27, at 5:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Chapel, 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93305. If desired, donations can be made to St. Francis Church, SPCA, or to the charity of your choice. www.bakersfield.com/obits