Kenneth "Smoky" Ray Campbell

Kenneth Ray Campbell, affectionately known as “Smoky” since the day he was born, entered into eternal rest on October 30, 2026, at the age of 89. He leaves behind a legacy defined by profound patience, an optimistic love for life, and an unwavering devotion to his family, friends and his Catholic faith.

Born in Kansas City, Kansas, on January 4, 1937, Smoky grew up with a natural curiosity and an extraordinary talent for solving problems. He carried this brilliance into his academic and professional life, graduating from the University of Kansas before going on to earn a master’s degree in engineering with a minor in mathematics. He was a Senior Engineer at Western Electric which transitioned to AT&T and then Lucent Technologies, where he was the last employee to shut down the plant as it was decommissioned in February 1996.

Smoky met Maria, the love of his life, on a double date set up by a friend. They were both very young and soon married while he was still in school, with no idea what kind of journey and family they were about to build together.

Always happy to help others; and there was almost nothing Smoky couldn’t figure out or repair. He was a true "fixer"—a man who could solve almost any technical problem or mechanical puzzle. But his ingenuity wasn't just professional; it was a gift he shared generously, always stepping up to help family, neighbors, friends, and strangers alike whenever something needed fixing. He was the person everyone turned to for help and sound guidance, always offering thoughtful advice and calm insight.

Smoky was an optimist through and through, a man who truly loved life and greeted the world with an open heart. He was a passionate sports fan cheering on his beloved Kansas Jayhawks basketball, Kansas City Chiefs and numerous other sports which also included golf and boxing.

He truly loved the simple joy of watching TV. Whether he was following a movie, staying caught up on politics, or watching the news, he was always captivated by the screen. He especially loved all the James Bond movies. He had a wonderful knack for recognizing actors and loved looking them up to learn about them, he was always discovering talented young musicians and cheering them on from his favorite chair.

He also enjoyed playing golf and participated for years in a golf league. In younger years he was also a bowler and enjoyed being on a bowling team. In later years he loved researching his family history and enjoyed investigating our family’s ancestry, creating a family tree. He was a wonderful storyteller, and he loved to share and reminisce about his childhood and family growing up.

Smoky was a true outdoorsman who found his greatest joy in nature, especially during morel mushroom hunting season. The moment he spotted a mushroom, his face would light up, and he would let out a heartwarming, triumphant shout of "Bingo!" that echoed through the trees. That call brought a smile to everyone who shared the woods with him and remains a treasured memory for his family and friends.

If you knew him, you knew his love for games, especially cards. A deck of cards was never far from his reach, and a kitchen table shuffle was the signal that a fun time was about to be had. What began as a simple pastime grew into a treasured family tradition, countless holidays, weekends, and late-night laughs. He didn't just teach his family how to play; he taught them how to gather, connect, and make memories that will stretch across generations. He genuinely loved playing cards and games with family and friends.

Smoky was a quiet and thoughtful soul who found his greatest peace and joy in family and lake life. At Table Rock Lake, he was truly in his element—whether he was out for a boat ride or on water skis in his younger years or watching the local birds from the comfort of the porch. An eager fisherman, he could be found out on the water fishing for sunfish and bass, chasing the next catch. The lake was his oasis, the backdrop to his happiest memories, and the place he loved most to share with his family.

Smoky embraced retirement to the fullest, quickly mastering the art of RV life. Rather than enduring the cold winters, he became a dedicated snowbird, frequently packing up with Maria for warmer climates, often visiting Florida and Texas.

Never one to sit still, he truly loved being active and found genuine joy in hobbies, like converting old family slides, photos and movies to the newest platform. He was computer savvy and enjoyed being on his computer sending out funny emails, playing computer games, researching information, learning from YouTube and staying up to date with the newest technology. He especially loved traveling, exploring new places, and making the most of every single day.

Of all his joys, none compared to his love for his family and the magic of Christmas. He was like a little boy every year during this holiday and his joy was contagious. He was a deeply loving and devoted husband to Maria, walking lovingly by her side until the day she passed. As a father, he was simply unmatched—the very best a child could ever ask for and the best Grandpa as well. He was a constant protector, a gentle teacher, and a man who was always there to lift up and help others whenever they were in need. In every aspect of life, he beautifully balanced a brilliant, analytical mind with an enduring faith in God, approaching the world with quiet patience, soft-spoken wisdom, and deep compassion.

While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing he is reunited in God’s heavenly kingdom with his beloved wife and those who passed before him.

Kenneth is survived by his three children and their spouses, David and Dianna Campbell, Cheri and Jerry Winkler, and Colleen Campbell and her husband, David Slatoff; grandchildren, Amy Vera, Rachel Winkler, Clint Fizer, and Shastina Slatoff; and great-grandchildren, Gage Ploof, Addisyn and Blake Vera, and Jacob and Ava Fizer. Additional survivors include his sister, Marsha Kay and Buddy Oakes.

He was preceded in death by his wife Maria Campbell, brother Steve Campbell and his grandson Jared Fizer.

Visitation will be held at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church (7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS 66204) on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. A procession will follow to Maple Hills Cemetery (2301 S. 34th St., Kansas City, KS 66106) for burial. A luncheon will be provided afterward in the Fellowship Hall of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.