Charles Lee Campbell

Charles Lee Campbell was born May 28, 1941 in Oneida, New York, the only surviving child of Durward & Nettie (Proctor) Campbell. On February 11, 2025 Charles’ body finally ran out of both "fuel & repair options" and he died peacefully at Stormont-Vail Health in Topeka, Kansas. Charles leaves a legacy of strength, humor, and an unwavering work ethic, qualities that undoubtedly came from growing up on a dairy farm and then serving four years in the United States Air Force. While stationed at Forbes AFB in Topeka, Kansas, Charles met a local, pretty, nursing student, Marlene Murray, and they married May 3, 1963. After completing his time in the service, Charles graduated Bailey Institute of Technology for Diesel Mechanics and went on to work a total of over 40 years at Fleet Service & Equipment Inc. and Capitol Concrete Products Inc. as a skilled heavy truck diesel mechanic, becoming known as the guy who could fix damn near anything. This included the big rigs, family vehicles, a race car for his brother-in-law, tractors, lawn mowers, balers, rakes, irrigation equipment, wagons, bicycles and anything else he put his mind to! Charles didn't do anything halfway, so if he fixed it, it was not only repaired, but improved. Charles’ life was not all work, daily he looked forward to Marlene's home cooked meals. The highlight of his week were the auctions he attended on Saturdays. He didn't know a stranger and could usually be found sampling the homemade pies and hoping for hot, good coffee. In later years when auctions required walking longer distances than he could manage, he started trailering his "buggy", his name for whichever golf cart, or other off road utility vehicle he had running at the time. This was the envy of many an auction goer and his passenger seat was never empty. Charles is survived by his two sons Charles "Charlie" (Kay) Campbell and David "Dave" Campbell (Darlene Duncan) and one very cherished grandchild. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Marlene, who passed on June 24, 2023 making that likely the saddest day of his life. Charles was also preceded in death by his parents Durward and Nettie Campbell who instilled in him many of the values that guided his life, as well as that fondness for pie, especially his mother’s gooseberry, and green tomato pies. As we remember Charles Lee Campbell, called “Sonny” by his mother, "Pops" by his children, and "Charlie" by his friends, we celebrate a man who embraced life on his own terms and is going to be truly irreplaceable. His knowledge and wisdom, sense of humor, tenacity and Charlie-isms like, "Hurt ya much or didn't ya mind it?", will be deeply missed by his family and friends, auctioneers & concessions workers, and a checkout clerk at the grocery store. 

Cremation is planned and a private service will be held at a later date. If you want to be involved in the services in the spring, please contact Parker-Price & Davidson Funeral Home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Horticultural Therapy Clinic via Voluntary Services, 2200 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66622. The Therapy Clinic is located at the Topeka VA which provides therapy to the local veterans. 

To leave a message for his family online, please utilize the guestbook below.