Gerald R. Campbell, 73, of Meadowlakes died April 22, 2015
Gerald R. “Jerry” Campbell, 73, passed away April 22, 2015, and joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. He had suffered various afflictions for several years and is now totally at peace.
He was born July 8, 1941, in Knoxville, Iowa, to Raymond G. and Bernadine R. Campbell. He spent his early and teen years growing up in Cherokee, Iowa. Jerry joined the Army in January 1962 and was commissioned a second lieutenant from Officer Candidate School in December 1963. He met his wife, Nancy, in Louisville, Kentucky, and they married in November 1964. Nancy was his wife and best friend for over 50 years.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Besides his wife, he is survived by his three children: daughter Kelly and Shelly Campbell of Albuquerque, New Mexico; son Gregory Campbell of Copperas Cove; and daughter Jennifer and Patrick Archuleta of White Rock, New Mexico. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and two sisters.
Jerry served in the Army for 23 years. Among his numerous decorations are the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart, three meritorious service medals and two Army commendation medals. He served two combat tours in Vietnam, one tour in Korea and two accompanied tours in Germany. He was also airborne, ranger and jungle expert qualified. After his retirement from the Army in January 1985, he embarked on a 13-year career in orthopedic medical sales in New Mexico. He retired from active employment in September 1997, when he and Nancy built their retirement home in Meadowlakes and lived there until his death.
Jerry and his wife have been very active in the United Methodist Church in Marble Falls, with both serving on several church committees. Of final note is the tenacity in which Jerry approached every challenge and situation. He always responded straight from the gut and the heart, rarely held back. People always stated, “Come on, Jerry, tell us how you really feel.” We will miss that, and God bless his memory and us all.