William Henry "Bill" Campbell

William Henry "Bill" Campbell, 87, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at Cameron Veterans Home. Born on April 5, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska, Bill led a life marked by service, scholarship, and spirited dedication to his community and family.
A proud Navy veteran, Bill served his country with honor and was recognized with full military honors. After completing his service, he pursued a lifelong commitment to education and law. He graduated from North High School in Omaha in 1955, earned a Bachelor of Science from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, and went on to complete a Master's and an Ed.D. from Missouri State University in Springfield. He later received his law degree from Creighton University.
Bill's professional life was as diverse as it was impactful. He worked as an educational administrator at the Boonville Correctional Facility, taught at Southwest Missouri University and William Woods University, and served as a minister at the United Methodist Church in Bucklin, Missouri. His dedication to faith and education was evident in all he did.
He was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Boonville, MO, and an active member of both the Cooper Lodge #36 Masonic Club in Boonville and the Tri-County Shrine Club in Marceline. Bill was also a passionate advocate for the Democratic Party and a steadfast supporter of its values.
Beyond his professional and civic life, Bill found joy in simple pleasures. He was an avid reader, a fan of John Wayne films, and loved traveling and riding motorcycles.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly McCollum Campbell, whom he married on August 25, 1979, in Omaha. He leaves behind his children: daughters Shawn Neitzel of Omaha, NE; Colleen Brobisky (Jeff) of Willard, MO; and Kevin Campbell of West Lebanon, NH. He is also remembered by his stepchildren: Lori Leidig of Sweden; Scott Morton (Laura) of Reston, VA; and Susan Davis of Nixa, MO.
Bill was a proud grandfather to Brittany Fuqua (Josh) of Nixa, MO; Tiffany Finch (Ian) of Liberty, MO; Summer Murphy and Ryan Neitzel of Omaha, NE; Justin Becker, Siarah Sederburg (James), and Cody Ray (Emily), all of Springfield, MO. He was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan Ross Campbell and Olive Gibson, his siblings Joanne Steirle, Barbara Holmes, and Van Campbell.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO, with Bobby Davis officiating. Memorials are suggested to Shriner's Children's Hospital, a cause dear to Bill's heart.
Bill Campbell lived a life of purpose and compassion, and his legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched.