Robert Harding McCampbell

Robert was born March 14, 1923, to Eula and Lloyd McCampbell in Oxnard. He spent most of his childhood in Ventura County attending local elementary schools. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School, where he was a standout on its championship tennis team in 1939. After one year at UCSB, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as a flying cadet in January 1942. He began his training as a fighter pilot before entering WWII. He flew 40 missions in British Spitfires and 40 missions in P-51 Mustangs. Robert was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart. He and his fellow Mustang pilots also shared in the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding heavy bomber protection.

He returned to the states in September 1944 where he continued his time in the Air Force training fighter pilots in P-40's. His exploits in service to his country were chronicled in his autobiography, "An Ordinary Guy In Extraordinary Times." Robert returned to civilian life in January 1946. He sold real estate in Santa Barbara and continued his education at UCSB, where he received his B.A. in 1949. He taught in the public school system, while attending graduate school at Claremont College from 1949-1954. He was the Comptroller and Administrative Officer at the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory, Port Hueneme, from 1954 until his retirement in 1981.

Robert was also an active member of the Oxnard Parks and Recreation Commission. He served on the board of directors of the Port Hueneme Federal Credit Union. In 1955, Robert was the celebrated Ventura County Open Tennis Champion and was president of the Oxnard Tennis Club from 1950 through the 1960s. Upon his retirement in 1981, he opened Bob's Pro Shop with his son, John, at the new Oxnard Tennis Center and later at the Cabrillo Racket Club. Bob's Pro Shop is still operating under the direction of his son, Mark. Robert loved the game of tennis and instilled this love within his entire family. He continued to battle on the tennis courts until the age of 87.

Robert was well known locally for his guitar-accompanied, self-composed comical songs. He was a very active member of the Church of the Foothills, Ventura, and was proud to sing in the church choir. Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lois McCampbell; daughter, Nancy Uber and husband Richard; son, John; son, Mark and wife Angela; daughter, Kim Fairchild and husband Michael; and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Commemorative Air Force, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010, to the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road, Ventura, CA 93003, or to your favorite charity .

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the C.A.F. Museum at 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo. A reception will immediately follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home.