Don Campbell, 89, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012 at home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born in Winsted, Connecticut on May 24, 1923. After graduating from The Gilbert School, Don attended MIT. The day after Pearl Harbor his whole class enlisted, Don enlisted in the Army Air Corp. Through the military he completed his education and was commissioned 2LT in 1944 at Yale. Don's first overseas assignment was Frobisher Bay, Baffin Island, where he ran a communications station that monitored the weather for US bombers flying from Bangor, Maine to Europe. This was followed by tours in Greenland and stateside assignments all dealing with security of communications from enemy intercept. Over the years, Don had tours of duty in Japan and Germany. While in Germany, he was responsible for NATO communications, frequently traveling to Turkey, Italy, France, Spain and England. He spent several tours in Washington, DC. When the Army Air Corp divided into the Army and Air Force, Don stayed with the Air Force and went on to obtain the rank of Colonel. He came to Colorado in 1970 as Director, Communications-Electronics at NORAD, retiring in 1973 after serving for 31 years. Don was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Ora Campbell, and a sister "Betz" Waldron. He is survived by Dottie, his wife of 42 years; daughter Karen Harless and granddaughter Nichole Driscoll; three great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter; sister Joan Simmers; and a nephew Billy Simmers. Others extremely important to Don are his four goddaughters; Kim Bitner, Mischelle Doll, Danielle Donahue and Dana White. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Springs Rescue Mission, 5 West Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 or Salvation Army, 910 Yuma Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.
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My sympathy goes out to the whole family of Mr Campbell. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know him just a little bit. He was a kind, gentle man and will remain in my memory as one of the great people I had the opportunity to serve. It is hard to say goodbye but the memories will keep him "alive" with us all forever.
Marlys Rustman
November 30, 2012
To the Campbell family please accept my condolences for the loss of your dear loved one. He will be greatly missed. May you remember the good times you had together to help ease some of the pain. May the family draw close to God at this time of grief. James 4:8.
Mel Smith
November 30, 2012
Mr. Campbell, thank you, thank you for your service to our country. My condolences to your family on their loss.
November 25, 2012
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