Ronald Kent Campbell

Ronald Kent Campbell, 82, Colorado Springs, CO, slipped the surly bonds of earth, put out his hand, and touched the face of God* on January 24, 2017, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Ron was born July 15, 1934, in Cloud County, KS to Charles Clair “Jack” and Mary Evelyn (Spallinger) Campbell.

Ron (Kent to his family) graduated from Miltonvale High School in 1952 and the University of Colorado in 1956, where he was in the ROTC program. He made a career out of the Navy, retiring as a Commander in 1976. Not one to relax, Ron embarked many careers after that, working as a Safety Director for Beech Aircraft in Salina, KS, teaching and coaching at his alma mater, and as a Representative in the Kansas state legislature from 1984 to 1992.

Ron was a stellar athlete in high school and college. In 2006 he was designated a Living Legend by the University of Colorado for lettering in two sports, football and track.

During his time in the Navy, Ron flew the AD Skyraider and A-4 Skyhawk. He was a true war hero and highly decorated Navy pilot, completing more than 200 missions over North Vietnam. His career took him from coast to coast.

Ron was passionate about the state of Kansas, and during his tenure as a Representative he was most proud of being instrumental in getting a treacherous part of Highway 81 (a part of the Pan-American Highway) that ran through his district paved from two lanes to four lanes, an act that has saved countless lives today.

After completing eight years as a State Representative, Ron moved back to his beloved state of Colorado. A man of great faith, Ron was an active member of the Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church in Monument, CO. He continued serving his community as a long-time Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) helping mentor numerous children in foster care in Colorado Springs. He was also a Call for Action volunteer for Channel 11 News.

While attending church in Corpus Christi, Ron met the love of his life, his very own Yellow Rose of Texas. He and Shirley (Mount) Campbell were married on June 14, 1958, and embarked on a long and happy life together.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Neil and wife Pat; his older sister Gale and husband Don; and his niece Audra Allison. His sister, Marcille and husband Neil Cox, passed later the same week.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his three children, Allyson and Jack Geller of Camas, WA, Kolin of Colorado Springs, and Karen and Don Craig of Monument, CO; eight grandchildren, Casey, Corey and Crystal Geller; Brandi (Campbell) and Cody Marion, Austin and Shane Campbell; Ian and Garrett Craig; and one great-grandson, Colton Marion.

Other survivors include siblings Kermit and Sallie Campbell of Traverse City, MI, Bruce and Darlene Campbell of Delphos, KS, and Chris and Dean Allison of Delphos, KS.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at ViewPointe for their devotion to Ron. Ever the gentleman even in his advanced stages, he would continue to open doors and pull out chairs for all the women. They appreciated his thoughtfulness and we appreciate theirs. Ron will be missed by so many people, we hope you can join us in person or in spirit as we say farewell to him for his final flight!

*Paraphrased from High Flight by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Memorial Service: Monday, January 30, 2pm at Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, Monument, CO

In lieu of flowers, please make donations marked in memory of Ronald Campbell to CASA of the Pikes Peak Region. Donations can be made online at: www.casappr.org

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