Gary M. Campbell, 85, of Blandinsville, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Gary was born November 21, 1938 in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of William Glenn and Mildred Ann (Scott) Campbell. On June 18, 1960, he married Donna K. Donaldson in Galesburg, Illinois.

Survivors include his wife, Donna of Blandinsville; two daughters: Tracey (Ken Colson) Hays of White Plains, Georgia and Kristina (Steven Lung) Campbell of Blandinsville; four grandchildren: Amber (Jesse) Jones of Springfield, Mitchell (Ceair Knowles) Siemens of Blandinsville, Garin (Brittany) Hays of Auburn, Georgia and Lauren (Tanner) Croft of Loganville, Georgia; six great-grandsons: Kael and Ellis Jones, Keegan Siemens, Davis Ingles and Joey and Jackson Croft; one sister: Barbara Robinson of Columbia, South Carolina and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Mariabelle Vice, Margaret Carmody, Mildred Allen and Willa Gibbemeyer and four brothers: William, John, James and Robert Campbell.

Gary was a 1956 graduate of Corpus Christi High School in Galesburg, Illinois, that same year he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served for four years as a Radio Operator in the Naval Air Force. Following his service he worked for eight years at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa, before attending the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. He then served with Illinois State Police District 14 for 25 years. He retired in 1992 as a Master Sargent. Following his retirement he worked part-time for Mid America Bank in Macomb, Illinois.

Mr. Campbell was a member of the Blandinsville United Methodist Church, LaHarpe Masonic Lodge #195, Quincy Consistory, Illinois State Police American Legion and the Sons of the American Revolution. He enjoyed traveling, collecting coins, golfing, gardening, fishing and especially his fishing trips to Wisconsin. He also enjoyed telling jokes and sharing funny stories with his friends, family and co-workers.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2023 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, where Masonic Rites will be held at 4:30 p.m. followed by visitation with the family until 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service for Mr. Campbell will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Rev. Beth Nelson and Rev. Lee Unger officiating. Military Rites will be held at the funeral home.

Cremation will be accorded following the service. Burial will be at a later date in the Kirkwood  Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Blandinsville United Methodist Church or the Blandinsville Rescue Squad.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Gary's obituary at banksandbeals.com.