Ed Wayne Campbell, a loving husband, a beloved father, grandfather, friend, and a pillar of the Watervliet community, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the age of 89.

Born on July 14, 1935 to Richard and Lilly (Cullum) Campbell in Black Oak, Arkansas, Ed was a 1953 graduate of Watervliet High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army serving in Germany for two years.

Ed was a familiar and friendly face around town. Whether you saw him while he was the City's Mayor or Postmaster, coaching the Cubs little league team down at Hayes Park, sitting in his barber chair, or as he served you from behind the counter of the hardware store, his infectious smile was recognized by many.

As a Jaycee, a member of the Knights of Columbus who had a hand building the hall, or a supporter of Panther athletics through the boosters, he was a champion of the Watervliet Community.

Ed was once an avid bowler.  He bowled for many years on a men's league and on a mixed doubles league with his wife Judy.  He enjoyed summer cookouts with friends and family, sipping beer, playing horseshoes, volleyball, lawn jarts, bean bags and ladder golf.  Ed also spent many hours maintaining his perfect yard or you could find him in his shed doing "guy stuff" and making sure it was spotless and well organized.  When it was time to rest you would find Ed on the deck in his swing watching the birds.

Ed also enjoyed hopping in the car to take a long drive in the country to sightsee, picnic, see the geese or to find a new park or beach to take the grandkids.  If you ventured inside the house during rest time you would find him in his favorite recliner watching Animal Planet or The Weather Channel while doing a crossword puzzle.

Ed leaves behind a loving wife of 55 years, Judith (Foster) Campbell, whom he married on August 29, 1969; sons; Ed, Dean, Rick (Andrea) Campbell, Ben (Doreen) Campbell, Jeff Campbell Napoli, and Jim (Michele) Brock; and daughters; Lisa Campbell, Lori Myers, Joni (John) Fohs, and Tami (Bill) Rath; 28 grandkids Dara (Rob) Coleman, Sara (Ravinder) Mann, Tara (Eric) Thompson, Stephanie Brock, James Brock IV, Carter Strebeck, Cooper Strebeck, Brock Strebeck, Brandon Rath, Breanna Rath, Kristopher (Samantha) Campbell, Kyle (Brittany) Campbell, Kody Campbell, Quillen Campbell, Chad (Krystil) Campbell, Ryan (Courtney) Campbell, Evan (Carolyn) Campbell, Roddy (Imani) Ackerman, Shelbi (Kevin) Dembinski, Jesse Myers, James Campbell, Eddie Campbell, Shawn (Caleb) Campbell, Cassie (Tyler) Olds, Hannah (Simon) Woods, Thomas Napoli, Douglas Napoli, and Cameo Napoli,  and 22 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and life-long friends; Pete and Marge Mannino, Fred and Carrol Birmele, Lynn and Marianne Parker, and "the chicken people".

He was preceded in death by his entire family as he was the last of 10 children, and one granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held on May 5, 2025 at 12:00pm at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet followed by burial in the Watervliet City Cemetery in Watervliet. Visitation will be held one hour before the service with Pastor Ed Richcreek officiating.