Donald L. Campbell, Sr. 83 years old, of Millerstown, passed away Friday, August 2, 2024 with his family at his bedside. He was born September 26, 1940 in Millerstown to H. Benjamin and Jennie “Strawser” Campbell.

Donald was the widower of Mary “Shaffer” Campbell and is survived by son Donald L. Campbell Jr. (Elizabeth) of Millerstown; daughter Debra C. Schreiber (Gregory) of Millerstown; brothers Richard and R. Franklin Campbell; sisters Nancy Sweger and Kathy Sanderson; grandchildren Amy and Kaitlin Schreiber, Kayla Bowersox and Tyler Campbell and great grandchildren Micah, Rose, Noah, Lydia, AvaGrace and Adalynn. He was also preceded in death by brother H. Albert Campbell and sister Shirley Dunkelberger.

While trying to write this obituary one of his grandchildren put it like this. “We could write the most eloquent obituary and still not capture the essence of who he was”. She was right. So many admirable qualities made him the man he was. He spent his final months at Arden Courts where he continued to display those qualities. The staff there loved him and described him as sweet, nice, funny, kind and a gentleman. If he did something that caused them extra work he would sincerely apologize. One caregiver said, “I can tell he was a good man”.   He was a good man and a hard worker. And he worked hard and did what was needed to care for his family. Being labeled a “hard worker” could have been his defining quality on the surface. But it wasn’t.  It was what he did with the “fruits” of his labor that defined him. He unselfishly and anonymously would give known or unknown people whatever he could to meet their needs. And he did these acts with kindness and respect. Dad was not a “hobby” kind of guy. If he did his favorite was being with and enjoying his family. His favorite place was his vacation home in Fenwick Island,  pontoon boat rides, games played and meals shared have given his family countless memories. He planned truly memorable trips for his family. New York City, Las Vegas, Siesta Key, Key Largo, Disneyworld, and cruises to Bermuda and Alaska.  He and Mom traveled to Europe and also took a cross-country journey across the US. He was so much fun to be with.  He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Each member of his family has their own memory of Dad/Grandpa/Big B (nickname for him used by the great-grandchildren).

The services will be on August 25th, 2024 at Highland Presbyterian Church on 11 Church Road, Newport PA 17074 with Reverend Nancy McClure officiating. Visitation is 1:00 to 2:30  with a celebration of life service starting at 2:30. Following the service, the one thing that dad did request was to have a meal for people to gather and enjoy the company of one another.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in memory of Donald to Bethesda Mission Men’s Homeless Shelter at 2101 N. Front St Building 1 Suite 1 Harrisburg, PA  17110 or Arden Courts Program Director, C/O Sheri Dohner at 2625 Ailanthus Ln. Harrisburg, PA 17110.