Edward J. Campbell

Campbell, Edward J. 96, retired Aeronautical Engineer for Beech Aircraft, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Edward James Campbell, a full-blooded Irishman, was born on a family farm in Hoxie, Kansas April 4, 1920, to Rosa (Hayes) and Edward Campbell. He attended school and Church of the Immaculate Conception in Leoville, Kansas until the last two years of high school, graduating from Hoxie High School in 1937. He moved to Wichita and began his career at Beech Aircraft in Experimental in 1941. During this time, he met his lovely wife, DeLoise Moyer, at a ballroom dance at Shadowlands. He enlisted in the US Navy from 1944-1946. After his discharge he returned to Beech Aircraft and married DeLoise on November 4, 1946 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. His stellar career lasted for the next 43.5 years in the Engineering Department until his retirement in 1985. The Beech Bonanzas were his claim to fame with a June 2016 spotlight on his career in the "American Bonanza Society Magazine." He has numerous photos with Olive Ann at award ceremonies and many encounters with Walter Beech in the early days. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, involved in Holy Name Society, Parish Council, and an usher for at least 65 years. From calling bingo at church fundraisers, to steering the finance committee, to organizing father/son banquets, to participating in Knights of Columbus activities, and finally to becoming a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus an active steward. He was a charter member of Wichita Racquet Club, where he played tennis on a men's doubles team for many years, still playing with the tennis ball machine until April 2016. He enjoyed participating in a bridge club, singing in a vocal group, the "Funtastics", ballroom dancing at the Cotillion and the Moose Lodge where he was a lifelong member, and lover of baseball, of which he was a player, coach, and viewer. He played the piano, harmonica, violin, and accordion all by ear. Edward enjoyed travelling over the years in the USA and abroad with DeLoise and his family. Preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 65 years, DeLoise. Survived by his daughters, Peggy and Sheila, and son, Lynn, all of Wichita. A viewing for family and friends will be from 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Sunday evening, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1; Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August, 2, both at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. A memorial has been established with St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1214 E. 2nd, Wichita, KS 67214. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com