Lester "Les" Campbell (-2016)

CAMPBELL, PAUL, STONEWALL, CARLSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 3/4/2016 at 11:39:08

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Lester "Les" Campbell, 83, passed away February 26, 2016 from metastatic melanoma. He was born to Bruce and Linnie (Paul) Campbell in Laurel, Iowa, and was the 10th of 11 children. An accomplished athlete, he graduated from Gilman High School where he met his wife, Norma "Cissy" Stonewall. After high school graduation, he worked for the FBI in Washington DC, but returned to Iowa to marry his sweetheart and enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed in Port Hueneme, California for 4 years. During that time, he and Norma enjoyed riding horses and fly fishing in the hills of southern California. He also rowed with a championship crew team during his naval years.

After his military service, Les attended the University of Iowa, majoring in business. He graduated in 3 years magna cum laude and was recruited by Texaco to work in Des Moines, Iowa. Over the years, he also worked for Urban Renewal in Des Moines and Great Northern Oil Company in Minneapolis. In 1972, he formed Campbell Oil Company in Ames. He sold the company in 2014 and it is now part of Diamond Oil, continuing to serve the needs of Central Iowa residents, with his son, Mark, manager/co-owner the Ames Division.

Les, although generally quiet, had a kind heart, always tried to help others, and was devoted to his wife and business. He was an avid hunter, little league coach, dog-lover, and doting grandfather. Les is survived by his wife, Norma, a resident at Bethany Life Memory Care; four children, Mark (Deb), Leslie (Todd Hansen), Steele (Sharie) and Anne; seven grandchildren; his sister, Jean (Campbell) Carlson of Ogden and brother, Bill Campbell of Laurel.

The family wishes to thank all of those who have worked at Campbell Oil over the years -- each employee was special to him. Also, the family is truly thankful to the caring staff at Ballard Creek Assisted Living, Heartland Baptist Church, Bliss Cancer Center, Mary Greeley Hospice, and Bethany Life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Ballard Creek ACTS Fund (Assistance with Compassion to Seniors), 908 N. Hwy 69, Huxley, IA 50124, or Heartland Baptist Church, 3504 Grand Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.

Condolences can be sent to the family at PO Box 1810, Ames, IA 50010.

A private graveside service will be held at Prairie View Cemetery in Gilman following the funeral.

Funeral Service
MAR 4. 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Heartland Baptist Church
3504 Grand Ave.
Ames, IA, US, 50010

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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