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David "Butch" R. Campbell

August 22, 1945 - January 21, 2011
Muskegon, MI

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Visitation

Monday, January 24, 2011
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Clock Life Story Funeral Homes
Muskegon Location
1469 Peck St.
Muskegon, MI 49441
(231) 722-3721
Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, January 25, 2011
1:00 PM EST
Clock Life Story Funeral Homes
Muskegon Location
1469 Peck St.
Muskegon, MI 49441
(231) 722-3721
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Cloverville Baptist Church Memorial Fund

Life Story / Obituary


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For David “Butch” Campbell, there was no greater joy than being surrounded by his loving family. A hard working man, he added much to the lives around him with his charitable and faithful nature along with his sense of adventure. Deeply missed, Butch will forever be held close in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

The year 1945 marked many changes in the history of America. The slinky made its debut to the delight of children everywhere, and radios were tuned to the likes of Bing Crosby, Perry Como and the Andrew Sisters. The victorious end to World War II brought joy and celebration the world over which only added to the joy experienced by Ransom and Elsie Marie (Bolinger) Campbell when on August 22, 1945 they welcomed the birth of their son, David Ransom Campbell into their arms.

Born in Weidman, Michigan, David became affectionately known as “Butch” his whole life through. The Campbell family eventually made their home on Sunset Drive in the village of Cloverville in Fruitport Township. In time it became the place Butch called home throughout his entire life. The youngest of five children, Butch was raised with his older siblings, Donna, Patsy,and Jeanine. A brother, James had died before David was born. His father worked as a pipe fitter while his mother, a homemaker, remained at home with the children. Although a beloved beagle named Laddie was the family dog, he became one of Butch’s greatest companions.

From his earliest days Butch loved a good adventure and shared great times growing up with neighborhood friends in the close knit community of Cloverville. Ron Moon and Roger Johnson became two of Butch’s closest buddies and over the years the three shared much. Butch attended Beach Elementary and Junior High schools and proved to be quite an intelligent young man. During high school he played on the football and baseball teams before graduating from Muskegon Heights High School with the Class of 1964. He went on to earn an Associates Degree from Muskegon Community College and continued his education while in the military.

For four years Butch served in the U.S. Air Force and gained many experiences stationed in various locations throughout the country. He even did some drag racing during his time in Arizona, but eventually was shipped out overseas to Vietnam where he worked as a radar mechanic. Although his military career was filled with adventure and memorable times, the war was a trying time and he was thankful to return home to Michigan upon his discharge from the service.

Over time Butch found lasting love when his niece, Dawn played the role of matchmaker. She brought her friend, Diane Carlisle over to meet Butch at his parent’s house and really wanted things to work out for the two of them. Indeed, her hunch was right and after dating and falling deeply in love, they were married on February 23, 1974 in Muskegon. They bought his childhood home from his parents and it was there that they welcomed children of their own. Matthew came along in 1975, followed by Timothy in 1977. Their daughter, Christina, completed their family in 1980.

A hard working family man, Butch’s family meant everything to him. They faithfully attended Cloverville Baptist Church and enjoyed numerous holidays, trips and sporting events together. A treasured family memory included a family dinner trip to Clementine’s in South Haven followed by family pictures in the park, but a trip with his wife and kids in 1989 brought out the true adventurer in Butch. For an entire month they traveled to and from California where they enjoyed many sites along the way such as the Grand Canyon, the Four Corners, and Mount Rushmore. He took them to Luke Air Force Base where he had been stationed in Arizona, and they visited many friends and family during their trip as well.

Saturday nights always included Scrib’s pizza, a family favorite, and Butch’s new canine companion and sidekick was his cocker spaniel, beagle-mix named Buddy. Throughout his life Butch enjoyed a good get-together, but reunions were especially fun for him when he was able to see and visit extended members of his family. A storyteller at heart, he was also the family historian and loved hearing stories as well as telling them.

For over 33 years Butch was a dedicated and faithful employee of Consumer’s Energy where he worked as an electrical engineer. Retiring in 2000, he continued to enjoy times spent as a member of the Consumer’s Energy bowling league and the Consumer’s Energy Sportsman Association. He also liked playing golf over the years and was a member of the NRA. During retirement he not only enjoyed activities such as bowling, but a love for travel remained at the forefront of his adventurous spirit. In fact, his daughter Christi often referred to her father as a “walking GPS” because he knew where every place was, how to get there and even how long it took to get there. Butch was also a very avid lottery player. He even won a few dollars here and there, but like many, he always hoped to win “the big one”.

When grandchildren came into Butch’s life he considered himself blessed. He loved spending time with them and rocking them in his lap was one of his favorite places to be. He attended their bowling activities and was sure to attend their tee-ball games. He shared fun times with them playing Wii and always made time to talk to his granddaughter on the phone. Foremost, Butch was a family man who loved his family dearly. A loving companion to his wife, Diane, he once said he wouldn’t even trade her for “the most priceless Corvette in the world”! He truly touched her world in a wonderful way, and she often felt that he made her a better person for having loved her.

At the age of 65, David “Butch” Campbell suffered a sudden heart attack and sadly died while returning home from a morning breakfast on Friday, January 21, 2011. Butch was passionate about everything he set his mind to. A loving husband, devoted father, dedicated grandfather, brother and friend, he held compassion for others and made the most of his time with those he knew and loved. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by many.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Diane; daughter, Christina (Juan) Ledesma of Muskegon; sons: Matthew (KariAn) Campbell of Illinois and Timothy (Kari) Campbell of Muskegon; grandchildren: Chase, Daiton and Liam Campbell; Kileigha and Nadeleighna Ledesma; sisters: Donna (Bruce) Bussing and Patricia DeRuiter, both of Fruitport. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James and sister, Jeanine.

SERVICE: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Pastor Joshua Rager and Pastor Mark Sawinski officiating with military honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. VISITATION: Monday, 5-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Cloverville Baptist Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Butch and to sign his online guest book.

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