Joseph Leslie Campbell, Jr.

Joe grew up in Denver, graduating from East High School and spending many summers at Cheley Colorado Camp where he became an avid mountaineer. He graduated from Yale University and continued studies at UC Boulder, earning B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering. Joe served in the US Army, stationed with the Chemical Corps, as he said, “proudly defending the coast of Maryland.”

He started his post-Army career with Shell Oil Company in Long Beach, California, where he was also active in Southern California Young Republicans. In the late 1950’s at a fortuitous Young Republicans meeting, Joe met the love of his life, Bev.

Not much later after enjoying an evening listening to Keely Smith and Louis Prima perform in Las Vegas and shutting down the bar at The Sands, Joe and Bev knew this was for keeps. Bev and Joe married on the 10th of September 1960, and welcomed their first child, Bronwyn Janice Campbell in 1961. Gwyneth joined them in 1964. Later in sixty-four Shell realized that computers may become relevant and sent Joe and family to Houston to be a Systems Analyst in their new information center. Son Gareth Evan Campbell joined the family in 1968.

Family vacations were spent in Long Beach or Denver, full of sun, sand, hiking and camping, Joe was active in scouting for all three children. He coached little league teams and was a member of the choir at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church.

Upon successfully launching all three children, Joe retired from Shell, and he and Bev took off to travel the world. When in Houston, Joe supported and enjoyed attending performances by the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Symphony, Ars Lyrica, and Mercury.

Joe is survived by daughters, Bronwyn, and Gwyneth; son, Gary and his wife Janice; grandchildren, Kyla and her husband Michael, Jordyn, and Trenton; and many nieces and nephews across the US. He will be remembered for his wit, charm, sense of humor, and devotion to family.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Sheree Turner and Family Tree Private Care, Blue Star Hospice, Dr. Joseph Cali and staff and the staff of The Abbey at Westminster Plaza for their outstanding care and compassion.

A memorial service and celebration of his life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 15th of February at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 4900 Jackwood Street in Houston, where the Rev. David Browder is to officiate.

Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in nearby Building F featuring Joe’s favorite foods, including meatloaf, peach cobbler, and beer.

The family with gather for a private inurnment on Sunday, the 16th of February, at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Houston, where Joe will receive military honors.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Joe’s name be directed to the Houston Grand Opera or Houston Symphony by simply selecting the link below under "Donations".

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.

Alles Liebe und Auf Wiedersehen, Dad.