Donald Jacob Campbell, Major, U.S. Army, retired - July 5,1937-June 21, 2026

Loving husband to Mary, for 63 years, loving father of Donald, Craig, Deanna and Pamela, and Papa & Grampy of Andrew, Alyson and Grace.

Don was born on July 5, 1937 in Paterson, New Jersey to Delbert and Charlotte Campbell. He grew up in Midland Park, New Jersey and spent his childhood playing baseball, football, and clarinet. He graduated from Pompton Lakes High School in 1955.

Don served in the military for 27 years, enlisting in October 1956 and retiring as a Major in November 1983. He served two tours in Vietnam in 1967/68 and 1970. During his time in the Army, he attended and graduated from Cameron College in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science. In the private sector, Don was affiliated with many organizations including Steilacoom and Eatonville Masonic lodges and when his daughters were in Rainbow Girls, he loved serving as Rainbow Dad. He served as the Assistant Grand Secretary for the Grand Lodge of Washington for 10 years. He was also an active member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), Heroes of '76, and National Sojourners. He believed strongly in the youth of America and supported many youth organizations including JROTC, Northwest Youth Leadership Conference (NWYLC), and Boy Scouts through his various organizations.

Don and Mary met in 1960 in Glen Rock, New Jersey. Mary picked him up in the bowling alley one night and they began dating. He would drive, or sometimes 'hitch-hike', back to see her from North Carolina where he was stationed. October 6, 1962 they were married in Hawthorne, New Jersey.  They moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina after the wedding and in December 1963, they welcomed their first child, Donald James. In 1964, they were stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska and in October 1965 they welcomed their second child, Craig William.  In 1967, they moved to Florida to be near Mary's parents, and he was deployed to Vietnam in late 1967. They welcomed their third child, Deanna Grace in March 1968. When Don returned home from Vietnam he met his new baby girl, who he liked to say was never born because the Red Cross never notified him. They were then stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where they welcomed their fourth child, Pamela Lois in August 1970. They received their next assignment to Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii in 1972.  After four years in paradise, they were stationed at Seneca Army Depot, New York where the family spent the next three years. Finally, in 1979, they were stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. After a long road trip across the country, the family settled into life in the Pacific Northwest. They lived in their house in University Place for 42 years.

In 1996, Don and Mary welcomed their first grandchild, Andrew Jacob, son of Donald. In 1999, Alyson Campbell and 2001 Grace Nicole, daughters of Pamela.  He loved the time he was able to spend at baseball and soccer games, swim and gymnastics meets, and band concerts to support his grandkids.

One of Don's greatest passions was baseball, and he was a Dodgers fan since the beginning of time. He loved watching them play in and win the World Series this past year. He was also a Tacoma Rainiers and Seattle Mariners fan. When the boys were young, he loved coaching them in Little League.

Don and Mary loved travelling in their RVs and spent many hours, days, and months driving to the East Coast to see his sisters in Pennsylvania and Virginia. They would also visit Deanna while she was living in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. They visited all 50 states over the years, some a couple of times over, and travelled to Disneyland, Arizona, and back to Hawaii many times. In October 2025, they were able to visit their old home and friends in Oahu with their daughter, Pamela and grandkids, Alyson and Grace.

In the last few years, Don and Mary downsized and moved to Parkland, Washington. Don spent his days in Parkland doing crossword puzzles, listening to baseball games, and watching the birds outside his office window, he especially loved the hummingbirds. He continued his involvement in the Masonic Lodge, MOWW, MOAA, Heroes, and Sojourners and would frequently attend meetings throughout the years. He enjoyed celebrating the holidays with family and spending time with his loved ones.

Don was a mentor and friend to so many people and will be greatly missed!

His memory is carried on by his wife, Mary Alice Campbell, Children – Donald Campbell (Sherrie), Craig Campbell (Cindy), Deanna Harris (Bruce), Pamela Zackula (Eric), Grandchildren – Andrew Campbell, Alyson Zackula, Grace Zackula, Sisters – Lois Preston, Beverly Calabrese. And several nieces, nephews and grand nephews.  He was also a bonus Grandpa and Great Grandpa several times over.

The family will have a Service with Honors for him on Friday, July 17th at New Tacoma Cemetery. Please find the details below.