Benjamin F. Campbell

Benjamin F. Campbell, 98 of Gaylord, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025, at August Haus in Gaylord.

Born April 15, 1927, in Portsmouth, Ohio, Ben was the son of Benjamin and Nettie (Coleman) Campbell.

Ben honorably served his country during World War II as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division. A proud veteran, Ben was a life member of Walter F. Bruce VFW Post #1146 in St. Clair Shores. After he moved to Gaylord, he transferred his membership to Ralph Holewinski VFW Post #1518.

After being discharged he returned home to Michigan and went to work for Ensign Maintenance, which later sold to R.L. Polk. He worked in building maintenance and security around metro Detroit, primarily at Chrysler manufacturing plants. In later years, after moving to Gaylord, he worked as a projector operator at Gaylord Cinema for 14 years.

Ben had a love for aviation. He was a skilled pilot and held private, commercial and instrument ratings. For many years he worked helping metro area funeral homes, transporting the deceased to or from their home communities at the request of their families. He also flew advertising banners over college and professional football stadiums. Ben served the National Guard with recon flights.

Ben also enjoyed his work as a licensed gunsmith, and he was an avid hunter.

He was preceded in death in 2021 by his wife, Virginia. Surviving are his children, Melinda Campbell of Frederic, Mark (Paulette) Campbell of St. Clair, and Steve (Edna) Campbell of Holt; grandchildren, Tracey (Eric) Mickels, Erin Campbell, Carrie (Wayne) Lobeck, and Scott Campbell; great grandchildren, Connor, Gillean, Mackenzie, and Andrew; several great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Jaunita and Anita.

A military honors funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where visitation will begin at 12:00 noon. Ben will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Ralph Holewinski VFW Post #1518.

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