Obituaries

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Charles David Campbell, 97, of Midland, died on September 14, 2018. He was born November 30, 1920, in Olney, Illinois to Charles and Golda (Marlow) Campbell. He graduated from West Salem, IL high school (1939) and came to Detroit, MI for work and certification in practical diesel engineering. At church, he met and married (Ida) Margaret Tovey, daughter of John and Ida Tovey, on September 11, 1942, in Ferndale, MI. They were married 72 years until her death in 2015.

Charles is survived by two children, Sandra (Randall) Rowe of Wooster, OH, and Kevin Campbell of Corvallis, OR. Also, daughter-in-law, Susan Goethel Campbell of Huntington Woods, MI; two grandsons, Steven (Teresa) Rowe of Wooster, OH and Mark Rowe (Lauren Fry) of Ypsilanti, MI, and granddaughter, Morgan Campbell, of Bangalore, India; two great grandchildren, Connor and Carrie Rowe, of Wooster, OH.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Joyce Lynn (1976); son, C. David (2014); and his three older sisters, Julia, Iva, and Lulu.
His life was impacted by the good times of the Roaring Twenties, followed by the tough times of the Great Depression, the droughts on their small farm in southern Illinois during the Dust Bowl years, and then World War II. During the war, he served three years in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed on New Caledonia in the South Pacific and Corpus Christi, TX.

The GI Bill was a life-altering opportunity for Charles that allowed him to further his education at Michigan State University. While at MSU, with Margaret and their two young daughters, he earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture education, graduating with high honors (1949). He then continued to earn a masters in education administration (1951) and certification as a school counselor (1954). His family is proud of his educational honors and professional awards.

Charles began his education career of 34 years with the Midland Public Schools as an agriculture teacher at Midland High School from 1949 to 1962. During this time he was also Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor. He was very proud of the success his students achieved in life as agriculture, business and community leaders. He was always happy hearing from his students and also learning that some of their children and grandchildren continued in agricultural studies and work.

From 1962 to 1971, Charles served as assistant principal at Midland High School. He helped develop computer scheduling of students. From 1971 until his retirement (1983), he was Supervisor of Service Operations for the Midland Public Schools. He always felt he led a team of excellent managers and staff who performed duties including purchasing, accounting, maintenance and transportation.

After retirement, he enjoyed many years being close to family, travelling much of the world with Margaret, and working as a volunteer with the Midland County Council on Aging (now Senior Services). Through 24 years of service in this program, he visited and positively influenced the lives of many seniors in their homes. Bridge, golfing and bowling also provided many friendships through the years.

Charles felt very fortunate that he and his family came to Midland for his career. He was a strong advocate for the Midland Public Schools and the Midland community. He was appreciative of the many parents who believed in and supported excellence in education. He loved his family and tried to be a positive influence on others, his community, and his church. “I hope the world is a better place because I was here.”

Charles was so appreciative of his son Kevin’s daily assistance and companionship for the past few years. The Campbell family wishes to thank the caring staff of Independence Village, and more recently, MidMichigan Hospice for their help and kindness.

A celebration of Charles’ life will be held on Saturday, October 6, in the parlor of Memorial Presbyterian Church, Midland. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:30 am.

Those desiring to make memorial contributions may consider Midland Center for the Arts for the Midland County Historical Society, 1801 W. St. Andrews, Midland 48640; Coleman Community Schools for agriculture education, 4823 N. Coleman Schools Dr, Coleman 48618; Senior Services Midland County Council on Aging, 4700 Dublin Ave, Midland 48642; Memorial Presbyterian Church; or the charity of your choice.

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