Melvin “Dick” R. Campbell, 87, of Belleville, Illinois born July 11, 1924 in Belleville, Illinois, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2011 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Illinois. Mr. Campbell worked over 40 years for the Belleville Casket Company and later in life he worked at Whiteside School in the Maintenance Department. He loved being around all the children and carried tootsie rolls with him for them. He became known as the “Candyman” by the students. After retiring, he volunteered at Whiteside School helping the children with reading and math. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, Illinois where he served on the church council, He served 12 years as a Sunday School Superintendent,was a youth group leader, Choir Librarian, and served on other boards and church organizations. He was also, a United States Navy Veteran serving in World War II. Mr. Campbell is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Audrey, nee Heidorn, Campbell , whom he married on April 20, 1950 and whom passed away on July 23, 1995; parents, Dolph and Olivia, nee Weber, Campbell; brother, James and sister in law Jane Campbell and Robert Campbell; sister and brother in law Marilyn, nee Campbell, (William) Flach; brother in law, Edgar Slayton.
Mr. Campbell is survived by his Sons, Michael J. (Gwen) Campbell of Fairview Heights, Illinois, Kenneth J. (Carol) Campbell of Troy, Illinois and a daughter, Jean Ellen(Kevin)Oesterle of Swansea, Illinois. Grand children, Michelle (Scott) Joers, Kristina Campbell; Step grandchildren, Brian Staszewski, Jason Staszewski and Matthew Staszewski; great grandchildren, Sophia Joers, Collin Joers, Savannah Cartwright; sister, Joyce F. Slayton; a sister-in-law, Dolores Campbell; also, survived by loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Memorials in Dick’s memory maybe made to the Whiteside Candyman Scholarship Fund, C/O, Belleville Township High School District 201, Belleville, Illinois, 62226 or to St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, Illinois. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com
Visitation will be held at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois on Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm with Pastor Drew Kramer officiating.
Interment will be held privately.
Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.
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