Wayne Dale Campbell, 91, of Wood River, died on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at 1 a.m. at Integrity Nursing Home in Wood River.
A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor David Rose, of First United Methodist Church in Wood River, officiating. Burial will follow at Asbury Cemetery on Rt. 127 in Raymond.
Mr. Campbell was born on March 25, 1925, in Hillsboro, to John William and Lillie Mae (Callahan) Campbell. He married Ruth Eleanor Weller on June 23, 1946, in Coffeen, and she survives.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served as a Petty Officer ABM Second Class in the Pacific Theatre during World War II on board the USS Cabot aircraft carrier. He also served in the Korean War on board another carrier, the USS Essex.
During his career, Mr. Campbell worked as a mechanical maintenance man at the Illinois Power Plant in Wood River for 32 years, prior to his retirement in 1987.
He was a life member of Wood River VFW Post #2859.
In addition to his wife of 70 years, he is survived by two sons, Larry (Connie) of St. Charles, MO and James (Christine) of St. Louis, MO; five grandchildren, Kevin Campbell of Cottleville, MO, Kristen (Alan) Poock of St. Peters, MO, Elizabeth (Ben) Woodley of Affton, MO, Laura (Matt) Lange of Chicago and David Campbell of St. Louis, MO; and one great-grandchild, James Joseph Woodley of Affton, MO.
Mr. Campbell was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Ralph, Harold, Virgil, Leonard and John Jr.; and his sister, Virginia Huston Howe.
Memorials may be directed, in honor of Wayne, to the donor's choice.
