September 25, 1922 – November 20, 2016
Charles J. “Charlie” Campbell, 94, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 12:00 P.M. (noon), Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 29, 2016, with an Elks Service held at 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials contributions may be made to St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks Lodge #541 or the Humane Society. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Charles was born September 25, 1922, in Eau Claire, Michigan, to Owen & Elise (Bates) Campbell. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1940 and attended Lake Michigan College. Charlie proudly served his country as a member of the Air Force during World ll and remained active in the Air Force National Guard for 40 years. He began his working career with Cutler & Downing Hardware in Benton Harbor, Michigan; then owned and operated the Fairplain Hardware Store before going to work for K-Mart as an assistant manager. Charles was a member of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks Lodge #541 for 71 years and Secretary for 33 of those years. The Elks was his ‘Friday Night Gathering Place’ where he enjoyed the company of family and friends. No one was a stranger. He was also a member of St. Joseph FOP Lodge #96, American Legion 568, the VFW and Benton Harbor Moose Lodge 1570. Charlie enjoyed many years as a member of the Blossomtime Festival, serving on the parade committee.
He enjoyed his gardening and yard work, continuing until the age of 91 riding his mower. There was nothing he couldn’t repair with just a little duct tape and gorilla glue!
Charles is survived by his wife Kathleen; children Jo Ann (Dan) Rhoda, Kimberly (Frank) Smith and son-in-law James Roberts all from Florida. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jacob Roberts, Sara (Ken) Keller and Rebecca Roberts and great-grandchildren Amaris, Logan and Eli Keller.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents and daughter Carol Ann Roberts.
Charlie will be missed by family and friends.