Glenn Elton Camper

Lodi, CA

Glenn Elton Camper

September 6, 1928 - March 24, 2009

Glenn Elton Camper passed away March 24, 2009 from the complications of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases. Glenn was born September 6, 1928 in Alameda, California to Muriel and Leslie Camper and he had an older brother, Leslie Camper Jr. He attended Alameda schools and graduated from Alameda High School in 1946. He played varsity football for four years, wrestled and was a ROTC sharpshooter. Upon high school graduation he joined the U.S. Navy in which he served until 1950. He played football (right end and right back) for the Navy as well as wrestled and boxed. He was named the Atlantic Fleet Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion in 1947. He also served as an aerial gunner on the U.S.S. Boxer and a photographer on the U.S.S. Curtis. He was an official photographer for the Navy during the Bikini Atoll Island atom bomb tests.

In 1948, Glenn was appointed to the U.S. Naval Prep School where he played football for Annapolis. Glenn married Anne Bateau from Ardmore, Pennsylvania in 1950. They had a daughter Carole Ann They were divorced four years later.

After he was discharged from the Navy, he enrolled at San Francisco State University in 1951 and graduated Magna cum laud in three years while working swing shift at American Can Co. to pay for college. He was a member U.S. Air Force ROTC while attending CSUSF and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon his college graduation. He remained in the United States Air Force Reserve stationed at Travis Air Force Base until retirement in 1988 as Captain.

Glenn married Janis Botts Camper of Lodi in December 1953 when he was a college senior. After graduation they moved to Centerville (now part of Fremont) in 1954. He taught 7th grade where he taught at Centerville Elementary School for four years. He attended Stanford University taking evening and summer courses. He received his M.A. Degree in Education Cum Laud in 1957. He was also enrolled in Stanford's Doctoral Program.

In 1958 Glenn moved his family to Stockton where he taught for Stockton Unified School District for 30 years. He was also a Vice Principal at Hoover School and a Principal at Elmwood and August Schools. While teaching, he was also President of the United Crusade, Camp Fire Girls and Stockton Teachers Assn. He was a 58 year member of the Masonic Order and belonged to the Island City Lodge No.215 F & A.M. of Alameda. Glenn and his wife also owned and operated Elton Pools, Inc. Earth Shelter Develops Inc. and California Pavers, Inc.

Glenn loved to travel and had visited 29 countries in the past 15 years. He had also visited most states. Glenn's favorite place to be was his cabin at Blue Lake Springs in Arnold. He loved to sit on the front porch and watch the big grey fluffy squirrels and the birds. A six foot carved bear guarded the driveway. He was most at peace here.

Glenn leaves his wife of 55 years, Janis Botts Camper of Lodi; sons Bruce (Linda) and Brian (Sue) Camper both of Lodi, Deborah (Leon) Camper Cowan of Scottsdale, AZ and Carole Camper Wright of Springfield, PA. He was the proud Grandfather of Katlyn and Jessica Camper of Lodi, Carson and Carissa Cowan of Scottsdale, Melissa (Pete) Bono of Springfield, PA, Amy (Jake) Lenton of Ridley Park, PA, Tom (Nicole) Buddenhagen of Parkside, PA and Eric Buddenhagen of PA, Great Grandfather of eight. He will be greatly missed by his family and will he remembered as a strong, energetic, hardworking and caring father, husband and teacher. Preceding him in death were his mother, father and brother, Leslie Camper, Jr. The family wishes to thank Vienna Convalescent Hospital and Asera Hospice Group for their care and help.

A graveside service will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Lodi Memorial Cemetery with the Woodbridge Lodge #131 F. & A.M. and the United States Air Force Honor Guard officiating. There will be no visitation and the Donahue Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Society, 107 N. Washington St., Lodi 95240 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2525 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95217 or Asera Care, 2529 W. March Ln. #101, Stockton, CA 95207.