Wesley “Joe” Campbell, 79, known as “Grandpa” to his family, went to be with our Lord on his birthday, Thursday, November 22, 2018. Joe had courageously battled pancreatic and esophageal cancer for 2½ years.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Loretta Campbell; his children, Joetta Holland, Lanetta Newcomb, Rosetta (Duane) Tierson, Russell Campbell, Marietta (Jim) McElwee and Joe B Campbell; his grandchildren, Travis Lucore, Jason Guilbault, Holly Tierson, Timothy Campbell, Gregory Campbell, April Newcomb, Ashley Newcomb, Reilly McElwee, James McElwee; his great grandchildren, Caitlyn Lucore, Natalie Campbell, Addison Newcomb; his sisters Ada Louise Fisher, Laverne Clarkston, Bobbie Jeanette Campbell-Enlow; he is preceded in death by his twin brother Wesley “Roy” Campbell.
Born and raised in Ruidoso NM, the son of Wesley and Ruby Campbell. In his early years he owned, trained and raced horses with his family. Later, he worked as a truck driver until his retirement.
Joe loved to fish and wanted to retire spending as much time as possible camping and fishing. Throughout his battle with cancer, he still enjoyed his fishing trips with family.
Joe enjoyed being active in his church. He wanted to share the importance of praying the rosary with others, which led him to start “My Lady Rosary Makers of St Matthew”. They passed along their gifts to countless numbers of groups and people in his community. He organized a group of people to visit nursing homes, pray and distribute communion to the elderly. Having a passion to help people in need, Joe started the “Feed The Hungry Project” at St Matthews. He made beans and rice to deliver to the rescue mission weekly and sent bags of rice and beans to an orphanage in Mexico. The group also provides supplies to make 100 sandwiches per week to feed the hungry.
His favorite prayer is The Divine Mercy Chaplet. He enjoyed making Divine Mercy rosaries for the sick and dying. He was surrounded by family and close friend Emmanuel Obi, praying that rosary at the time of his death. We’re thankful for the time on earth with Joe. The special way he was called home--surrounded by loved ones, on his birthday and on the day of thanks and praise--says so much about his life and faith.
11/22/1939 - 11/22/2018