Robert E. Campbell

Mar 16, 2015 | Obituaries 2015 | 2 comments

Robert E. Campbell of Prairie Village, Kansas passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015 at the age of 90. Bob was born December 17th, 1924 in Kansas City to Rex and Ethel Painter Campbell. He was raised along with his siblings Russell, Mildred and Dorothy in Marcilene, Missouri where he graduated from High School in 1942. He served his country in World War II and was honorably discharged after the war.

After graduating from Central Missouri State University he returned to Kansas City to begin his career as an insurance agent with the Travelers Insurance Agency. While playing golf with a friend one day the two young, single men noticed a pair of attractive women playing a couple holes ahead of them. By the end of the round the two groups had become a foursome, and within a few years two marriages resulted, one of them being Bob and Shirley Helen Smith. They were married in November 1951 in small ceremony in New York City.

Bob & Shirley were married for over 25 years before Shirley passed away in 1977 following a long fight with cancer. During their marriage their two sons, Roger and John were born and raised in a wonderful and loving home filled with optimism, opportunity, inspiration and a great deal of humor.

Since dad met his first wife on a golf course it somehow seems fitting that he met his second wife on a tennis court. After being introduced by mutual tennis friends Bob and Alice married in October, 1978. Both had been through some difficult circumstances over time with their respective deceased spouses and having no children still at home they set out to make up for lost time. And never stopped! They traveled nearly constantly, enjoyed their active friends first at Leawood Country Club and later at Indian Hills Country Club, spent time at their vacation home in Arkansas and later made twice annual trips to Palm Desert, California for many years. In between all of this they found time to float the Snake River, tour Europe, spend time with their family, remain actively engaged with their Church, and become charter members of the Blue Moose Tuesday night club.
Alice has been a special gift to our family. Without her our father would never have enjoyed the long, active and healthy life that he had. Together they made a great and very active couple, experienced a long and loving marriage and have been excellent grandparents to 17 grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife Alice along with oldest son Roger and his wife Marsha and their children Ryan, Christin Olsen (Gabe), Jonathan and Lauren as well as younger son John and his wife Mary along with their sons Scott (Janelle), Kevin (Julie) and Mark (Danielle) and three great-grandchildren. In addition there are countless nieces and nephews including Chris, Mike, and Pat Connor and Pam Jones and their families.

Having been raised as a child of the depression and later in life watching his first wife fight cancer, dad never lacked for optimism and courage. He found the goodness in every situation and every person and his silver lining simply had no cloud. That optimistic attitude is his lasting gift to all of us.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 19th at 2:00 PM at Asbury United Methodist Church, 5400 West 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS. Reception following the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Asbury United Methodist Church Capital Campaign, Robert Campbell Memorial or to the or the charity of your choice in Bob’s name.

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Grant Humphries

8 years ago

My sincere condolences for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.

Mona Gutowski

8 years ago

Reply to Grant Humphries

Dear Alice and family, Bob was such a joy at Pulmonary Wellness. He always had a smile on his face for us. He was determined to come in and work out. He was a trooper. We will miss him greatly, but know he is in a better place. Mona Gutowski, R.R.T.

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

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Bukeka and Makeda

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Cynthia

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Joyce F.

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Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

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Eleanor P.

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Jim and Leslie

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