Douglas Dewitt Campt

Mr. Campt received his primary and secondary education in the public schools of Madison, NC. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University), where in 1953 he was initiated into the Tau Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and will forever be an Omega man. In 2007 he was inducted into NCCU’s Golden Eagles Society during his 50th class reunion.

Following an honorable discharge from the US Army in 1956, Mr. Campt earned a Master’s degree from Howard University, after which he moved to New York City where he met the love of his life, Noel Francis Campt while the two were living in Harlem. They married and moved to Flushing, Queens, where they began to raise a young family. Their eldest and youngest daughters, Crystal Yvette and Tina Marie were born in Flushing, and shortly after moving to Washington, DC to pursue a career in the Department of Agriculture, the Campts moved to 4609 21st Street Avondale (now Mount Rainier), Maryland, where they welcomed their third child, Douglas Lowell (preceded in death) to their burgeoning family.

Since his early training in biology, Mr. Campt maintained the curiosity and exploratory zeal of a scientist. It is a skill that he pursued professionally beginning with an early position as an agricultural inspector at JFK Airport in New York City. His passion for science and innate green thumb eventually led him to a career at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. His dedication to scientific inquiry led him to take up a position at the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency in its founding year, where eventually became Director of the Office of Pesticide Programs in the Registration Division of the agency. Mr. Campt was the first African-American member of the Senior Executive Service in the EPA. He remained a respected administrator and policy specialist for 35 years before retiring in 1994. He was a gregarious presence among his many friends and colleagues at the agency and continued to enjoy the loyalty and admiration of his fellow ‘EPA Alumni’, whom he met with regularly after his retirement.

Following the death of his first wife, Mr. Campt was reacquainted with Helen Clapp. They were married in 1978 and merged their two families, which included Mr. Campt’s step-daughter, Sybil Randolph. The couple divorced in 2005.

Mr. Campt was a decades-long member of First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, where he was a faithful servant and leader who participated in many church ministries. He was a proud tenor and sung with gusto and glee as a member of the Chancel Choir, for which he also served as Treasurer. He was equally committed to the work of the United Methodist Men and in addition to receiving its ‘Man of the Year Award’, he later served as its President. He took pride and pleasure in walking and raising funds for those in need in the annual Crop Hunger Walk, where he was often the walk’s top fundraiser at his church. He was an avid crossword puzzler (regularly finishing the NY Times puzzles), passionate golfer, and all-around good guy.

Doug Campt loved his family dearly and took great pride in all their achievements. He was known for his hearty chuckle, his easy smile, his generosity and wise counsel, and for always be willing to help. He was preceded in death by four sisters: Ruby Joan, Sylvia Jean, Ernestine, Gladys Marie, and brother John Edward. He leaves behind legions who will hold him dearly in their hearts as a vivid presence: brother James of Stoneville, NC; daughters Crystal Arthur of Mebane, NC and Tina Campt of Brooklyn, NY; grandson Stephen D. Arthur of Hyattsville, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Flowers may be sent to Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, Maryland 20722. In his memory, donations may be made to his cherished church home First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, 6201 Belcrest Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782, or to continue his walk to end hunger checks payable to CWS/CROP for CropHungerWalk can be mailed to First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville at the address above.