Duke Lamar Campbell, 83, died at home, May 17, 2006 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Lamar was born in Pace, Florida in 1922. His parents moved to Chumuckla in 1932.
After his graduation from high school (Chumuckla School), he joined the Navy and served mostly in the Philippines during World War II. He and Frances Manning married in 1948 at First Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL. He retired from the Navy after 22 years of service. He traveled to Europe, China and served 2 years in Japan with his young family. They also lived in California, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina and Florida during his Navy career.
He loved his family and the land in Chumuckla. The summer of 1960, he was stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station and he moved his family to Chumuckla. During his last tour of duty in Norfolk, VA, he commuted most weekends to be with his family.
He and Frances built a house on the land that has been in the family for three generations and that is where he died. He drew much pleasure from riding the tractor, harvesting hay and taking care of his cows, just as his father had done. After retirement from the Navy, he helped start and worked part time for the Chumuckla Water System. His truck could be seen daily at the "Pump House" as he insured the quality of the water. He retired from the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service after 18 years. He flew in small planes taking aerial photos of Santa Rosa County and Texas for the ASCS. He traveled all of Santa Rosa County and knew every back road and farmer. He had a profound appreciation for the land, trees and nature which he taught to his daughters and grandchildren. He was a member and past treasurer of Chumuckla United Methodist Church and was active for many years in the Chumuckla Ruritan Club.
Lamar is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances; daughters and sons-in-law, Faye and Dave Westfall of Gainesville, GA and Kittye and Winston Norris of Pace, FL; grandchildren, Kristen Westfall and Spencer Minch, Kimberly and Kevin Enns, Kate Westfall, Kyle and Brandy Norris and Kurt Norris; sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Olyn Matthews; sister-in-law, Myrtle Campbell; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, J. Lee Campbell and his mother and father, Dessie and Jim Campbell.
The family is very grateful to Tryllis Kilpatrick, who daily provided love, care and comfort to Lamar and Frances. We appreciate Leo Nichols and Bonnie Haye, who were always ready to come when we needed them.
The family will receive friends and family at Chumuckla United Methodist Church from 3:00-4:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2006. The service will begin at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Clive Knights officiating. Burial will follow at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Chumuckla United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of DONNIE SOWELL FUNERAL HOME.