Gary grew up in the Shawnee area, graduating with the Shawnee class of 1971. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Ministries from Mid America Christian University. He married the love of his life, Debra Marsh on March 28, 1980. Gary spent a full career in the Oklahoma Army National Guard (Active Guard Reserve). He did serve in Iraqi Freedom of which was a true honor for him. Once retired from the Guard he was a civilian contractor in Iraq and Kuwait. After returning to the states, he went to work for Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, retiring after ten years.
He was an avid OU football fan. He enjoyed searching out his family roots through ancestry, enjoying many long fulfilling hours of research. He and Debra enjoyed vacationing around Oklahoma in state park cabins (OK-FAV). Gary was a life member of the 45th Infantry Division Association, NGAOK and EANGUS. He was president of the 45th Infantry Division Association. When asked his faith he always said he was a Christian.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Audry Campbell.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Debra Campbell; daughter, Carol Valdez; son, Jeremy Barrett and wife Erin; son, Gary Campbell Jr. and wife Amy; daughter, Angie Matye and husband John; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brother, Terry Campbell and wife Teresa; brother, Billy Campbell and wife Debbie; brother, Roger Campbell and wife Kenna; sister-in-law, Gwen Kirkpatrick and husband Dennis; mother-in-law, Doris Phillips; numerous nieces and nephews; beloved cats: Paint (his favorite baby), Bear, Katniss, and Bonnie, and a host of good friends.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Gary’s name to We Care for America (WCFA National Guard Relief Foundation) at https://EANGUS-wcfa.org.
The family requests that casual dress be worn for the service.
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