Donald W. Campbell

Donald Walker Campbell, 76, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on October 8.

The son of Charles Newton and Mary Clair (Walker) Campbell, Don was born on April 26, 1949, in Inglewood, California, and grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He graduated in 1967 from North Forsyth (N.C.) High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1971 from North Carolina State University, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Don began a lifelong career of military service shortly after college, joining the United States Air Force in 1974. He served on active duty until his retirement in 1996, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his distinguished career, he was also a proud member of the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Bomb Wing, where his steady leadership and dedication left a lasting mark on those he served alongside. Following his military career, he remained devoted to the mission and people of McConnell Air Force Base, where he worked as an environmental engineer until his retirement from civil service in 2017. Across more than four decades of military and civilian service, Don exemplified integrity, humility, and quiet leadership.

Since May 26, 1979, Don has been married to his beloved Sylvia Lee (Wheeler) Campbell, and during 46 years together they built a life anchored in faith, love, and devotion to family. He was a proud father to Matthew Walker Campbell, Laura Beth Campbell Rhoades, Andrew Charles (and Bethany Jo) Campbell, and David James (and Megan Elizabeth) Campbell, and beloved Poppa to Genevieve, Jameson, Evelyn, Olivia, Madeleine, Caroline, Iris, Charles, and Baby Campbell.

Those who knew Don will remember his quiet strength and servant heart. Steady, reasoned, and kind, he lived out his faith in practical ways—anticipating needs, helping without hesitation, and encouraging others to flourish. He loved tinkering in his garage, running marathons with his brother Joel, and supporting the dreams and passions of his children and grandchildren.

Over the years, Don was an active member of several faith communities in Wichita—most recently at Rock of Christ Church, where he found joy and fellowship worshipping and serving among friends who shared his steadfast faith.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings: Shannon (David) Brinkley, Pam (Bill) Parrish, Chuck (Sue) Campbell, and Joel (Kim) Campbell. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Timothy Michael Campbell; and his nephews, Major Ian Campbell Brinkley, USMC, and Shaun Robert Parrish.

Visitation will be held 5–7 p.m. Thursday, October 16, at Smith Family Mortuary in Derby, Kansas. The funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, October 17, at First Baptist Church Mulvane, Kansas, officiated by Pastor Andrew Bailey. Interment with full military honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Derby.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rock of Christ Church, 1406 W. 18th Street N., Wichita, KS 67203, or to Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852.

To view the livestream of his service, go to the "Watch Live" link at fbcmulvane.com.