Larry Campbell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Larry E. Campbell, age 81 of Saginaw, passed away peacefully at home the morning of Saturday, February 24th, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.

Larry was born July 27th, 1942 in Galena, Kansas. Son of the late James and Vivian Lorene Campbell, he grew up in Joplin and graduated from Joplin High School. 

He met the love of his life, Courtney Smith, and was married August 18th, 1963 at the home of John and Hazel Smith. They shared a lifetime of adventures from remodeling their first home, to building their home in Saginaw in 1976 during one of the worst winter seasons on record.

Larry and his lovely wife Courtney enjoyed a full life together. They were members of a country western line dancing group that performed in parades and simply danced for fun. He was a sexton for the Saginaw Community Cemetery for countless years and a member of the Saginaw Baptist Church. 

He was also a dedicated employee of Missouri American Water Company, working as a filter operator for over 38 years only retiring in 2001 due to heart issues. He was not ready to retire but soon filled his time with taking care of his property, gardening, and cooking stumps. He loved to spend time fishing, camping, and boating with his family. He was a generous soul and an amazing husband and father.

Larry had a passion for helping people, especially the little people. He enjoyed his years as Cub Scout leader for the Diamond chapter of Cub Scouts and went on to coach farm club which consisted mostly of the cub scout troop he had adopted previously. He was a kind soul and would never miss an opportunity to lend a hand to a neighbor, give away firewood to people in need, or offer money to any poor soul on a street corner. He was truly an angel here on earth.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his in-laws, John and Hazel Smith whom he considered his adopted parents. He was also preceded by his most faithful canine companion, Thor.

Larry leaves behind his devoted wife, Courtney Lynne (Smith) Campbell, his daughter Julie (Campbell) Pizinger of Redings Mill and her husband Ronald, and his son Scott Lawrence Campbell of Saginaw. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, and one great grandson. Larry was a twin and leaves behind his twin brother Garry Campbell and his wife Betty who reside in Grand Falls. Other survivors include a sister, Rebecca Neece and her husband Nick of Tipton Ford, a brother Steve Campbell and his wife Sally of Carl Junction and five nephews and three nieces. He also leaves behind his most recent canine companion, Harley.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Saginaw Baptist Church. Reverand Brian Henderson will officiate. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary with a private family committal of ashes at a later date at the Saginaw Community Cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Medical Loan Closet of Joplin, a ministry of Grace Baptist Church, PO Box 425 Joplin, Missouri 64802.