C. Eric - Campbell

Clete Eric Campbell, 58, returned to our Father in Heaven early Thursday morning, February 12, 2026. Eric was born on July 7, 1967 in Fresno, California. He spent his childhood and youth growing and learning as he honed his skills as a drummer in the Harding Elementary school orchestra and then the Compton Junior High and Bakersfield East High School marching bands. Wherever he was, he could be seen drumming his fingers. He was full of rhythm.

Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting were a huge part of his life and he ultimately became an Eagle Scout at the age of 14! He spent many weekends with his various troops on campouts and earned his 50-miler patch. Campouts and hikes with his dad and brother were a regular part of his schedule.

When soccer first started becoming popular, Eric found himself on teams for a few years, once on the same team with Jerel, his brother.

Eric graduated from high school and seminary in 1985 and then went on to attend Ricks Jr. College, now BYUI. He spent time in the US Navy Reserves and ultimately graduated with a BS in Business from the University of Phoenix in 1999.

Throwing a newspaper route was the beginning of Eric learning how to work hard and how to budget his money. He paid tithing and saved half of his earnings for a mission and then the rest was his. He later worked at McDonalds and as a pizza delivery person and spent most of his years at and retired from working as a disability analyst for the state of California.

Spring of 1997 found Eric meeting his eternal companion, Kristi, and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple in May of 1998. Four children were born to them – John, 24; Virginia, 23; Kaitlyn, 19, Cecily, 17.

Eric had a deep testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and has served faithfully in many church callings including counselor in Deacon’s quorum presidency, Teacher’s quorum president, counselor in Elder’s quorum presidency, primary teacher, security for the building, finance clerk, seminary principal, home teacher and ministering brother.

Favorite pass times were family dinners, supporting his kids in their hobbies, & serving in the church community. Every holiday, the family received texts or emails wishing us a happy whatever holiday it was. He never missed wishing us all a happy birthday. He was kind, gentle, and soft-spoken. He was so proud of his four children and always looked for the best for them. If one ever needed a hug, he was the one to give it – the best hugs ever.

Eric is survived by his wife, Kristi; parents, Douglas and Rinez Campbell, Burley, ID; three sisters, Janel Campbell, Mesa, AZ; Lindy (Jonathan) Woodland, Lindon, UT; Megi (Ty) Jones, Burley, ID; three brothers, Jerel (Camille) Campbell, Mesa, AZ; Shad (Jodi) Campbell, Queen Creek, AZ; Boyce (Suzanne) Campbell, Cedar Hills, UT; sisters-in-law, Pam (Stuart) Moffitt, Salt Lake City, UT; Penny Harling, Rochester, N.Y. and 36 nieces and nephews

A graveside service will be held Friday, February 20, at 11 a.m. at Greenlawn Southwest where he will be interred. Flowers may be sent to Kern River Family Mortuary 1900 N. Chester Ave. Ste B Bakersfield, CA 93308 or donations can be made in memory of Eric to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org.