Captain George Willis "G.W." Campbell, USMC retired, 91, of Topeka, went to be with the Lord on Monday afternoon, December 12, 2016.
G.W. was born June 30th, 1925 in Galt, MO to Willis Roy and Rosa Ellen (Batson) Campbell. The family lived in Ottawa, KS where G.W. attended Ottawa High School, Class of 1943. G.W. was passionate about three things in his life – his wife and family, his country and football.
In 1940, at the age of 15, he met the love of his life, Miss Leona Ruth Miller, while Christmas caroling with their school. G.W. and Ruth were married on July 26, 1946 in Baltimore, MD. They had three children, Rose Marie, Sue, and John. He was a loving husband. He made the rule at the beginning of the marriage to never go to bed without a kiss and a “I love you” and he never did. He was supportive of both the activities and educations of his children and grandchildren and was very proud of the men and women that they became, always bragging to the nearest listening ear.
At Ottawa High, G.W. was a track star and outstanding quarterback. G.W. enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-5 program, (naval aviation cadet), when he was seventeen years old in 1942. After graduation in 1943, not needed for active service at that time, he was sent to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri as part of the U.S. Navy's V-12 unit. In 1994, the same year his undefeated 1944 V-12 football team was inducted into the “M” Club Hall of Fame at Northwest, G.W. was inducted for his individual football achievements. He was transferred to Miami of Ohio, where he was elected “Most Popular Boy” and “King” for the famous Miami Ball. He again received accolades for his football skills. He had the opportunity to play football under coach Sid Gillman. He always had a good story about the days he spent playing football.
G.W. was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on June 4, 1946. On June 5, 1946 he was appointed to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served on the USS Philippine Sea in the Mediterranean and had the rare privilege of an audience with Pope Pius XII. In March of 1952, he was deployed to Sanggorangpo, South Korea with the 2nd Battalion H & S Co. 1st Marine, where he served until July of 1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star for “meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a company commander”. He was also authorized to wear the Combat “V”. He retired as a Captain in the United States Marine Corp after 21 years of dedicated service to his country.
G.W. received his Bachelors in Science Degree from Washburn University, Class of 1965 and belonged to the American Legion, the Military Officers Association, and was a member of the Wanamaker Road Baptist Church at the time of his death. He was a lifelong avid reader and a knowledgeable lover of history. He enjoyed spending his time doing yard work and helping out his neighbors. He and Ruth enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. The grandchildren have fond memories of the fun they had at their grandparents home.
G.W. was preceded in death by his beloved son John W. Campbell, his parents, Willis Roy & Rosa Ellen (Batson) Campbell and his brothers and sister, Rex T. Campbell, L. Phyllis (Campbell) Showalter, Don V. Campbell, and Jene D. Campbell.
G.W. is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his daughters, Rose Marie (Grover) Miller, Kansas City, KS, "Sue" Phyllis Susanne (Curtis) Irby , Wichita; his grandchildren Christopher (Nicole) Irby, Denver, CO, Michelle (Calvin Willhite) Ward, Wichita, Matthew Irby, Phoenix, AZ, Kimberlee (John) Glowacki, Columbia Falls, MT , Marc Miller, Kansas City, KS and his six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Samuelle, Dakota, Mason, Kate, and Virginia.
A joint graveside service for both Ruth and G.W., with full military honors, is scheduled at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS on June 2, 2017 at 1:30 pm. Earthly speaking, after 70 years of marriage, they would be pleased to know they are being laid to rest at the same time, same place—heavenly speaking, nothing could be better than abiding together in the presence of their Savior for all eternity.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Missouri State University Athletic Department, Maryville, Missouri or the Wanamaker Road Baptist Church in Topeka.
(Dove Cremation)
G.W. was born June 30th, 1925 in Galt, MO to Willis Roy and Rosa Ellen (Batson) Campbell. The family lived in Ottawa, KS where G.W. attended Ottawa High School, Class of 1943. G.W. was passionate about three things in his life – his wife and family, his country and football.
In 1940, at the age of 15, he met the love of his life, Miss Leona Ruth Miller, while Christmas caroling with their school. G.W. and Ruth were married on July 26, 1946 in Baltimore, MD. They had three children, Rose Marie, Sue, and John. He was a loving husband. He made the rule at the beginning of the marriage to never go to bed without a kiss and a “I love you” and he never did. He was supportive of both the activities and educations of his children and grandchildren and was very proud of the men and women that they became, always bragging to the nearest listening ear.
At Ottawa High, G.W. was a track star and outstanding quarterback. G.W. enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-5 program, (naval aviation cadet), when he was seventeen years old in 1942. After graduation in 1943, not needed for active service at that time, he was sent to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri as part of the U.S. Navy's V-12 unit. In 1994, the same year his undefeated 1944 V-12 football team was inducted into the “M” Club Hall of Fame at Northwest, G.W. was inducted for his individual football achievements. He was transferred to Miami of Ohio, where he was elected “Most Popular Boy” and “King” for the famous Miami Ball. He again received accolades for his football skills. He had the opportunity to play football under coach Sid Gillman. He always had a good story about the days he spent playing football.
G.W. was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on June 4, 1946. On June 5, 1946 he was appointed to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served on the USS Philippine Sea in the Mediterranean and had the rare privilege of an audience with Pope Pius XII. In March of 1952, he was deployed to Sanggorangpo, South Korea with the 2nd Battalion H & S Co. 1st Marine, where he served until July of 1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star for “meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a company commander”. He was also authorized to wear the Combat “V”. He retired as a Captain in the United States Marine Corp after 21 years of dedicated service to his country.
G.W. received his Bachelors in Science Degree from Washburn University, Class of 1965 and belonged to the American Legion, the Military Officers Association, and was a member of the Wanamaker Road Baptist Church at the time of his death. He was a lifelong avid reader and a knowledgeable lover of history. He enjoyed spending his time doing yard work and helping out his neighbors. He and Ruth enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. The grandchildren have fond memories of the fun they had at their grandparents home.
G.W. was preceded in death by his beloved son John W. Campbell, his parents, Willis Roy & Rosa Ellen (Batson) Campbell and his brothers and sister, Rex T. Campbell, L. Phyllis (Campbell) Showalter, Don V. Campbell, and Jene D. Campbell.
G.W. is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his daughters, Rose Marie (Grover) Miller, Kansas City, KS, "Sue" Phyllis Susanne (Curtis) Irby , Wichita; his grandchildren Christopher (Nicole) Irby, Denver, CO, Michelle (Calvin Willhite) Ward, Wichita, Matthew Irby, Phoenix, AZ, Kimberlee (John) Glowacki, Columbia Falls, MT , Marc Miller, Kansas City, KS and his six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Samuelle, Dakota, Mason, Kate, and Virginia.
A joint graveside service for both Ruth and G.W., with full military honors, is scheduled at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS on June 2, 2017 at 1:30 pm. Earthly speaking, after 70 years of marriage, they would be pleased to know they are being laid to rest at the same time, same place—heavenly speaking, nothing could be better than abiding together in the presence of their Savior for all eternity.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Missouri State University Athletic Department, Maryville, Missouri or the Wanamaker Road Baptist Church in Topeka.
(Dove Cremation)
Captain George Willis "G.W." Campbell, USMC retired, 91, of Topeka, went to be with the Lord on Monday afternoon, December 12, 2016.
G.W. was born June 30th, 1925 in Galt, MO to Willis Roy and Rosa Ellen (Batson) Campbell. The family lived in Ottawa, KS where G.W. attended Ottawa High School, Class of 1943. G.W. was passionate about three things in his life – his wife and family, his country and football.
In 1940, at the age of 15, he met the love of his life, Miss Leona Ruth Miller, while Christmas caroling with their school. G.W. and Ruth were married on July 26, 1946 in Baltimore, MD. They had three children, Rose Marie, Sue, and John. He was a loving husband. He made the rule at the beginning of the marriage to never go to bed without a kiss and a “I love you” and he never did. He was supportive of both the activities and educations of his children and grandchildren and was very proud of the men and women that they became, always bragging to the nearest listening ear.
At Ottawa High, G.W. was a track star and outstanding quarterback. G.W. enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-5 program, (naval aviation cadet), when he was seventeen years old in 1942. After graduation in 1943, not needed for active service at that time, he was sent to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri as part of the U.S. Navy's V-12 unit. In 1994, the same year his undefeated 1944 V-12 football team was inducted into the “M” Club Hall of Fame at Northwest, G.W. was inducted for his individual football achievements. He was transferred to Miami of Ohio, where he was elected “Most Popular Boy” and “King” for the famous Miami Ball. He again received accolades for his football skills. He had the opportunity to play football under coach Sid Gillman. He always had a good story about the days he spent playing football.
G.W. was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on June 4, 1946. On June 5, 1946 he was appointed to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served on the USS Philippine Sea in the Mediterranean and had the rare privilege of an audience with Pope Pius XII. In March of 1952, he was deployed to Sanggorangpo, South Korea with the 2nd Battalion H & S Co. 1st Marine, where he served until July of 1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star for “meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a company commander”. He was also authorized to wear the Combat “V”. He retired as a Captain in the United States Marine Corp after 21 years of dedicated service to his country.
G.W. received his Bachelors in Science Degree from Washburn University, Class of 1965 and belonged to the American Legion, the Military Officers Association, and was a member of the Wanamaker Road Baptist Church at the time of his death. He was a lifelong avid reader and a knowledgeable lover of history. He enjoyed spending his time doing yard work and helping out his neighbors. He and Ruth enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. The grandchildren have fond memories of the fun they had at their grandparents home.
G.W. was preceded in death by his beloved son John W. Campbell, his parents, Willis Roy & Rosa Ellen (Batson) Campbell and his brothers and sister, Rex T. Campbell, L. Phyllis (Campbell) Showalter, Don V. Campbell, and Jene D. Campbell.
G.W. is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his daughters, Rose Marie (Grover) Miller, Kansas City, KS, "Sue" Phyllis Susanne (Curtis) Irby , Wichita; his grandchildren Christopher (Nicole) Irby, Denver, CO, Michelle (Calvin Willhite) Ward, Wichita, Matthew Irby, Phoenix, AZ, Kimberlee (John) Glowacki, Columbia Falls, MT , Marc Miller, Kansas City, KS and his six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Samuelle, Dakota, Mason, Kate, and Virginia.
A joint graveside service for both Ruth and G.W., with full military honors, is scheduled at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS on June 2, 2017 at 1:30 pm. Earthly speaking, after 70 years of marriage, they would be pleased to know they are being laid to rest at the same time, same place—heavenly speaking, nothing could be better than abiding together in the presence of their Savior for all eternity.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Missouri State University Athletic Department, Maryville, Missouri or the Wanamaker Road Baptist Church in Topeka.
(Dove Cremation)
G.W. was born June 30th, 1925 in Galt, MO to Willis Roy and Rosa Ellen (Batson) Campbell. The family lived in Ottawa, KS where G.W. attended Ottawa High School, Class of 1943. G.W. was passionate about three things in his life – his wife and family, his country and football.
In 1940, at the age of 15, he met the love of his life, Miss Leona Ruth Miller, while Christmas caroling with their school. G.W. and Ruth were married on July 26, 1946 in Baltimore, MD. They had three children, Rose Marie, Sue, and John. He was a loving husband. He made the rule at the beginning of the marriage to never go to bed without a kiss and a “I love you” and he never did. He was supportive of both the activities and educations of his children and grandchildren and was very proud of the men and women that they became, always bragging to the nearest listening ear.
At Ottawa High, G.W. was a track star and outstanding quarterback. G.W. enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-5 program, (naval aviation cadet), when he was seventeen years old in 1942. After graduation in 1943, not needed for active service at that time, he was sent to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri as part of the U.S. Navy's V-12 unit. In 1994, the same year his undefeated 1944 V-12 football team was inducted into the “M” Club Hall of Fame at Northwest, G.W. was inducted for his individual football achievements. He was transferred to Miami of Ohio, where he was elected “Most Popular Boy” and “King” for the famous Miami Ball. He again received accolades for his football skills. He had the opportunity to play football under coach Sid Gillman. He always had a good story about the days he spent playing football.
G.W. was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on June 4, 1946. On June 5, 1946 he was appointed to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served on the USS Philippine Sea in the Mediterranean and had the rare privilege of an audience with Pope Pius XII. In March of 1952, he was deployed to Sanggorangpo, South Korea with the 2nd Battalion H & S Co. 1st Marine, where he served until July of 1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star for “meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a company commander”. He was also authorized to wear the Combat “V”. He retired as a Captain in the United States Marine Corp after 21 years of dedicated service to his country.
G.W. received his Bachelors in Science Degree from Washburn University, Class of 1965 and belonged to the American Legion, the Military Officers Association, and was a member of the Wanamaker Road Baptist Church at the time of his death. He was a lifelong avid reader and a knowledgeable lover of history. He enjoyed spending his time doing yard work and helping out his neighbors. He and Ruth enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. The grandchildren have fond memories of the fun they had at their grandparents home.
G.W. was preceded in death by his beloved son John W. Campbell, his parents, Willis Roy & Rosa Ellen (Batson) Campbell and his brothers and sister, Rex T. Campbell, L. Phyllis (Campbell) Showalter, Don V. Campbell, and Jene D. Campbell.
G.W. is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his daughters, Rose Marie (Grover) Miller, Kansas City, KS, "Sue" Phyllis Susanne (Curtis) Irby , Wichita; his grandchildren Christopher (Nicole) Irby, Denver, CO, Michelle (Calvin Willhite) Ward, Wichita, Matthew Irby, Phoenix, AZ, Kimberlee (John) Glowacki, Columbia Falls, MT , Marc Miller, Kansas City, KS and his six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Samuelle, Dakota, Mason, Kate, and Virginia.
A joint graveside service for both Ruth and G.W., with full military honors, is scheduled at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS on June 2, 2017 at 1:30 pm. Earthly speaking, after 70 years of marriage, they would be pleased to know they are being laid to rest at the same time, same place—heavenly speaking, nothing could be better than abiding together in the presence of their Savior for all eternity.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Missouri State University Athletic Department, Maryville, Missouri or the Wanamaker Road Baptist Church in Topeka.
(Dove Cremation)
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Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, World War II, Korea, Vietnam; Bronze Star Medal
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