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Lt. Col. William Francis Campbell

Lt. Col. William Francis Campbell obituary, Colorado Springs, CO

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Swan-Law Funeral Directors

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Colorado Springs, Colorado

William Campbell Obituary

Lt. Col. William Francis Campbell, USAF - Retired, passed peacefully from this earth on Wednesday, January 23 in his home after a short illness. Col. Campbell was born and raised in New Jersey on May 6, 1920 to parents William John Michael Campbell and Louise Rutzler Campbell. He graduated from Montclair State College as a History and English teacher; he also attended Trinity University in San Antonio, TX and University of South Alabama in Mobile. He entered the US Army Air Corps in March of 1942 as an Aviation Cadet. He served on B-17's over Germany during World War II. He worked in airline administration following the war. He returned to Active Duty with the US Air Force during the Korean War flying medium bombers. He flew jet interceptors in Alaska. He holds the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, Bronze Star, the Vietnamese Service Medal and was cited for Valor during WWII. He was stationed in Alaska, England, Turkey, Korea and Thailand. He was an ROTC instructor at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, flew VIPS's with Special Air missions and was Assistant Air Attaché at the US Embassy in Ottawa, Canada. He retired from the Air Force with 30 years of service. Col. Campbell became the Officer in charge of Air Force Junior ROTC program at Midview High School in Grafton, OH from 1976 - 1985, where he touched the lives of many young men and women cadets who went through his program. Campbell was married on December 25, 1942 to Audrey Brogan. Together they had 5 children - Michael (Sally) of Napa, CA; Joseph (Judy) of Alameda, CA; Cynthia of San Diego, CA; Bill (Dana) of Castle Rock, CO and Laurel Campbell-Zinck (Mike Zinck) of Colorado Springs, CO. He had seven grandchildren: Thomas Campbell of Las Vegas, NV, Ian Zinck of Colorado Springs, Elizabeth Hansen Campbell of Napa, Kira Zinck of Colorado Springs, Megan, Audrey and Liam Campbell of Castle Rock. After moving frequently their entire adult lives, Bill and Audrey enjoyed settling down for their second retirement in beautiful Colorado Springs, where they relocated in 1986. During these years they traveled frequently, visiting Europe, Argentina, and traveling around the western US. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister and by his beloved Audrey in 2006. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Church, life member of MOAA, and a member of the 91st Bomb Group. He loved music and was an accomplished pianist. Visitation will be at Swan-Law funeral home on Sunday, January 27 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, January 28 at 2:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Burial at Fairview Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care.

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 27, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for William Campbell

Sponsored by His daughter, Laurel.

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I was so sad to here my grandpa died over night so I'm glad to here that some people care thank you.

Audrey Campbell

March 25, 2016

he was my grandpa the best one

audrey campbell

October 7, 2015

I just learned this and very sorry to hear it. I was a cadet class of 77 and he was a great teacher and leader. He wrote my recommendation for the Air Force Academy.I remember his class and working with him. My sympathy to his family and friends but what a life! He touched many. Laurel I don't know if you remember Chris and me. Bryan Barber

bryan barber

April 26, 2013

I never had the opportunity to meet Col. Campbell but I am priveledged to work with Laurel. They say that children are a great representation of their parents, so I know he was a great man. He has a beautiful story, from what was shared and I was recently exemplified as a 4th degree Knight, Vivat Jesus!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Joe and Sandy Cantu II

February 11, 2013

To Laurel and Family
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father it is very sad time in the lives
of chirldern who lost a parent Your dad and mom are resting in peace with our lord. Mary and Karen Spangenberg.of Brick, New Jersey.

Mary Spangenberg

February 10, 2013

Lloyd and I just learned of Bill's passing today. What a wonderful man he was! We were friends with Audrey and Bill during their time in Grafton,OH. We enjoyed keeping in touch with our annual Christmas communication--the last one was a touching letter from Bill telling us that his journey was nearing the end. Blessings to all of you who loved him!

Lloyd and Judy Miller

February 4, 2013

Bill Campbell was a wonderful neighbor and friend during our 12 years of living next door until 2011, when we moved to the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. What a bright spirit and inspiration! I loved hearing his stories, his piano playing on warm summer evenings. We happily shared a glass of wine occasionally, sitting out on our back patio. I am so glad he could stay home throughout his last illness! Thank you for the pictures and his biography. Much love to Bill, Audrey and their famiy and friends. Jarla Ahlers and Vern Vobejda.

Jarla Ahlers

February 4, 2013

I met Bill in 1998 when I began bringing Audrey communion. It was an instant connection as Audrey & Bill were originally from New Jersey just like my husband and I.
Through the years after Audrey's passing in April, 2006 we continued a fond relationship with Bill. We had numberous dinners and wonderful conversations at our house about his varied life experiences.
As grandparents, we enjoyed sharing stories about each others' grandchildren.
We shall miss him dearly, but will always cheerish the many beautiful memories!
Be at peace Bill with your beloved Audrey!

Anton & Clare Schulzki

January 31, 2013

As I had the priviledge to say at the Funeral Mass, Col Campbell was the perfect example of a Leader, an Educator, and a Mentor to me. I could never thank him enough for everything he did for me, but I know, that at his final assignment as a compassionate leader in Heaven, he can hear me now. Therefore, THANK YOU, and rest in peace Sir! Brian Hawke, Midview High School class of 1982.

Brian Hawke

January 30, 2013

A fellow veteran and fellow musician, wonderful neighbor and great friend. I'm going to miss you dearly...

Mike Zimmerman

January 29, 2013

A great man, a kind and friendly soul, someone that inspired , a man you could go to with any problem and he would be glad to help. a true leader. all of us who server under him are better people for the experience. R.I.P. sir.

Al Conger

January 28, 2013

Many teachers have touched a students life but Lt. Col. Campbell touched our heart and soul. I have learned so many life lessons from this great man and my heart was saddened to hear of his passing. May the Lord lighten the burden for his family and all that knew this wonderful man. Midview class of 1983

Cyndi Kilby

January 27, 2013

colonel campbell,
i find it difficult to find the right words to express what knowing you has meant to me. as a student in your jrotc programme, your influence helped guide me towards service in the usaf and service to our country beyond the military.
your strong, yet kind spirit remains with me to this day.
as a voulunteer at the planes of fame air museum, in chino, california, i often think of you as i walk amongst the aircraft used by the usaaf in ww ll, especially when i assist restoration volunteers workig to restore our B17 flying fortress. i often think of a young bill campbell, leaving "fortress england"on a mission to bomb strategic targets in nazi held europe. remembering how you once told me that if you weren't scared of what lie ahead of you, there was something wrong with you. yet off you went...facing death and destruction, all in the name of answering your nation's call.
service, courage, compassion. these seem to be the words that most accurately define your life. the things you have seen, the duties you have performed. the lives you have touched.
colonel, words fail me, but i thank you for what you have done for our grateful nation and i thank you for all you have done to help shape my life and all others who have touched by your dedication to service.
well done sir! rest in perfect peace. soar high sir, as you escape the bonds of this earth and reach out to touch the face of God.

chris haislet

January 27, 2013

I will miss you. You remain an authentic hero to me.

Bill Brogan

January 27, 2013

What a wonderful life of selfless service. A true example for us all to follow.

Doug Huggins

January 27, 2013

Tara Deighton

January 27, 2013

Col Campbell was instrumental in starting my aviation career. At 14 he encouraged me to take flying lessons. I soled at 15 and earned my private pilots license at 16. Over the years I have obtained almost all flying licenses and ratings and now 30 years later we just opened a charter flight service. Rest in Peace my mentor. I still use your lessons from ROTC in my every day life. Thank You! Kim Whary, Midview High School Class of 1983.

January 27, 2013

Bill, I'll never forget hearing your life stories, but will truly miss your beautiful music coming through the air through the windows on a beautiful day. Blessed to have known you, and prayers to your family and friends.

January 27, 2013

Col. Campbell what a wonderful men he gave so much to his students.. Thank you for all of your guidance. He will forever be a part of my life as I spent 4 years in his classroom. He was loved by many in that small town in Grafton . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. MHS Class of 1980.
Debbie Arcuri

Debbie Arcuri

January 27, 2013

R.I.P. Col. Campbell, what a great leader to school student and the world. You made a the world change with your teaching and a big impression on our Family. Prayers to your family.

Pat (Truax) Folk

January 27, 2013

Bill, thanks for being a terrific leader, teacher, and person. Your guidance inspired the MHS Class of '85, and many of us are still serving in the Air Force. I can clearly remember the day when you showed Glen Lewis and myself how to fly an approach on the classroom airplane simulator...that day cemented my desire to join the Air Force! Thanks for your selfless service to this nation and to everyone you inspired.

Col Michael Logar

January 27, 2013

Mike, Laurel, Ian, Kira and Families of Bill: The people we lose in our lives are not totally gone for they live on in the people they loved and those that loved them, and Bill was loved. May all your wonderful memories live on in your hearts and help you through this difficult time. Thinking of you all and sending my love.

Vicki Zinck

January 26, 2013

To Col Campell,
You looked out for so many of your students and built a great legacy along the way. Without your guidance, a kid from a little town in Ohio might not have been the success he is today. Fly high Col Campbell! You will always be remembered fondly. MHS Class of '82

Jeffrey Perdue

January 26, 2013

He was a father-in-law who became a father. He taught me the true meaning of family, integrity and provided calm in the face of diversity. He will be truly missed by his family, friends and those who knew him. Thank you for loving us all as your children. I will miss you.

Mike Zinck

January 26, 2013

What a wonderful man and friend, I will never forget him. One of the wisest people I have ever known, I will always remember many of his great outlooks on life! Thank you for telling me so many great stories, that gave me a look at places I will probably never see, I learned sooo much! I will miss him!

Cristi Dorsett

January 26, 2013

A great Man, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Patriot, Combat Veteran and Mentor has gone home to be with the Lord and his wonderful Audrey. Besides my own Grandparents and Parents, there is one very influential man who inspired me to Serve my Nation; Lt Col William Campbell. This life offers so many joys but it is so very hard to say good-bye to such an incredible human being. For me, I had my peace with my mentor over the Holidays and it was great to hear his distinct voice and great laugh one last time. I was only 13 (now I am 49) when I first met this giant among men. His character, his love of God, love of family, his love of Nation, and his desire to inspire future generations of Americans was almost magical. The very first time I ever sang the US Air Force Song was with Lt Col Campbell playing the Piano...he led from the heart. I owe my successful 27 years (so far) of National Service, and for becoming a Combat Fighter Pilot, in the Air Force and the fact I became a Colonel in the Air Force because of the efforts of Bill Campbell. My own wife, my sons, and countless others have had exceptional lives because this man truly cared. Our Nation is stronger because he took time to inspire others to simply Serve...not for money...not for fame...but for the sole reason of sacrficing for something far greater the ones self. Lt Col Campbell, my hope and prayer is that I can rejoin with you someday in Heaven...together we can "slip the surly bonds of earth and touch the face of God." You were loved my many...my heart aches but I did love and appreciate you so...

Colonel Scott Manning

January 26, 2013

Col. Campbell, a man who gave a big part of himself, not only to his country, but his family, friends and students. He taught us the way of leadership and what it means to serve, duty and honor. He holds a special place in many of our hearts. And he has made a positive impact on many lives. And he will be well missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Jim Newman

January 25, 2013

What a great man and big influence on my life. My sincere sympathy to the family. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. MHS Class of '82

Christine Tenneson

January 25, 2013

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