Robert "Bob" Campbell Jr.'s Obituary
Capt. Robert “Bob” Joseph Campbell, Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully in his home in Fort Myers, FL on June 6, 2021.
Bob was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Patient and gentle, loving and kind, brilliant and strong, Bob was a gentleman and a patriot through and through. He lived by old fashioned values. A lifelong learner, it seems he knew everything. His never-ending sense of adventure took him around the world. But, his most lasting legacy is his love for family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Bob was a decorated Navy helicopter pilot who served heroically from 1957 to 1962 in the HS-9 antisubmarine warfare squadron aboard the USS Essex and later in Southeast Asia with Air America. He was most proud of his search and rescue missions, saving many soldiers from the sea and the jungle. He continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until 1986. He also enjoyed a civilian career as a pilot for American Airlines for another 30 years.
Bob was born on Sept 7, 1935 in Cincinnati, OH to his parents Robert Joseph Campbell and Margaret McDermott. He grew up in Fort Thomas, KY, attending St. Xavier High School and Xavier University. After living in Toledo, Chicago and Dallas, he settled in Fort Myers in 1985.
He is loving remembered by his wife, Jacquelyn Speas; children, Catherine (Bruce) Henniges, Laurie Campbell, Robert P. Campbell, Brianne (Donald) Carter; grandchildren, Amber Henniges, Tyler Henniges, Nicholas Campbell, Jillian Carter, Juliet Carter; step-children, Reed Speas and Lauren Speas (Eric Eskioglo); and their children, Elle Speas, Rhys Speas, Alli Eskioglo, Blake Eskioglo, and Camden Eskioglu. He is preceded in death by his brothers Richard Campbell and Thomas Campbell.
Private services will be held at Memorial Gardens with military honors on Wednesday, June 16th . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
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