Waxahachie, TX – Don “Tuck” Campbell passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after a long and valiant battle with Cancer, on April 18, 2024 in Waxahachie, Texas. He was born on June 28, 1948 in Monroe, Wisconsin. Tuck was born to the late Donald and Helene Campbell (later Stephenson), the first of three children in their family. They lived in Monroe until they later moved to Madison, Wisconsin where Tuck did all of his schooling. He grew up extremely close with his cousins, Ann and Tommy. He later graduated from West High School in 1968 before joining the Marine Corps. After his time in service, he lived a life of wanderlust and escapades all across the United States, as the hippies did back then. He lived a full and wonderful life and made sure to tell anyone who would listen, that the key to happiness was to take advantage of every opportunity and to never have any regrets. His life was full of joy, love and laughter – with some weird noises and impersonations frequently mixed in. He never met a stranger, and made people feel comfortable enough to speak deeply and freely to him. He moved to Texas many times over the years, before finally settling down in Waxahachie in 2020. He was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, and Lung Cancer again over the past five years, courageously battling all of them if it meant just a little more time with his Grandsons. He made them laugh every single day of their lives, and he constantly prioritized their happiness over his own. He loved them more than life and would brag about them to anyone who would listen (much to their chagrin, usually…). Predeceased by his cousin, Tommy in 1975; his son, Nikki in 1984; his step-sister, Amy in 1998; Mother, Helene in 2011; Father, Donald in 1948; and Stepfather Phil in 2009. Tuck is survived by his brother Jim (Kerri) Campbell; sister Kietra (John) King; sister Janeen (Leonard) Stephenson; sister Carol (Mark) Stephenson; sister Christine Stephenson; son, Jason, and daughter, Jayme; and grandchildren Dean and Ari. He will be missed by many other relatives and friends. A celebration of Tuck’s life was held before his passing, and many friends traveled from near and far to wish him well on his “next adventure”. He was overcome with joy that he was able to speak with so many people and share his words of wisdom, and that people would want to come to see him. It was a joyous event that moved him to tears whenever he spoke about it afterwards. Tuck had no idea the impact he had on those around him, or the magnitude or depth that it reached. He will be fondly remembered for his wit, bizarre sense of humor, obsession with the correct use of English, “colorful language,” and being the best Papa this cosmos has ever seen. In lieu of flowers or a service, an educational account has been set up in Dean and Ari Campbell’s names. Donations may be made to Bright Directions, and mailed to: LPL Financial, Attn: Brian Rincker, 19065 Hickory Creek Drive, Suite 310, Mokena, IL 60448. Please put Dean and Ari Campbell in the memo line. Condolences for the family may be offered at lonestarcremation.com.
One Response
What a Beautiful way to honor your father! He was a character & one I’ll never forget! I sure am Blessed by him & his sweet family! He is so right “this adventure is a short one play with the babies more – work less!” Thank you Jayme for allowing us to care for your dad as he started his new adventure 🌈 Love 💕 THH Hospice Brooke P.