GyBill
01-16-2009, 08:24 PM
Edward Lee Campbell, 78, of Eufaula, passed away Monday, January 12, 2009, at his home. Edward was born on January 16, 1930, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Walter Lee and Eva (Pendell) Campbell. He attended Maritime Academy at Sheep Head Bay, New York. On February 17, 1947, Edward enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in both the Korean and Viet Nam Wars. During his service Edward received several medals including: the Good Conduct Medal, the Pacific-Asiatic Medal, the Victory Medal, the P.U.C medal, the Korean Service Medal with 2 Stars, the U.N. Ribbon and Medal, the Letter of Commendation with Combat “V”, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with 1 Star, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Army Unit Citation, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 devices, the Good Conduct Medal with 6 Stars, the National Defense Service Medal with 1 Star, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal with device, the Meritorious Mast, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the RVN MUC Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Frame, a 4th and 5th Good Conduct Medal and the Marksman Badge Rifle. While a Marine, Edward served as a recruiter and a drill instructor. He also attended several schools during his service including the Leadership School, Administrative School, and the 1st Sgt. Course. He also attended the Troop Training Unit in Little Creek, VA and the Recruiters School in Parris, Island, S.C. Edward retired from the Marines as a Sgt. Major on November 25, 1971. After his service, Edward worked as a U.S. Marshall from 1971 to 1991. He won the Robert Forsyth Medal for Valor Award in 1985. Edward married Martha Carroll on April 11, 1948. Together they raised four children. He then married Anna Belle Shackelford on May 27, 1976 in Yuma, Arizona. He attended the First Free Will Baptist Church.Survivors include: his wife of thirty-two years, Ann, of the home; his sons, Edward Lee Campbell, Jr. and wife Sharon of Oceanside, California and Jack Lee Campbell and wife Patricia of Divide, California; his daughters, Eva Arlene Smith of Santa Ana, California and Carol Searson and husband Gerald of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his stepson, David Shackelford and wife Brenda of Eufaula, Oklahoma, eleven grandchildren Gerald Jr., Shawn, Benjimin, Carolyn, Melissa, Tracy, Jack Jr., Baylee, Christopher, and Kyle , fifteen great grandchildren, Gunner, Christian, Elijah, Cierra, Colton, Brittany, Samantha, Kaitlyn, Brittany, Ian, Jonathan, Sean, Sam, Jack and Saige and one great great grandchild, Steven. He is also survived by his aunt, Rosena Hurt of West Frankfort, Illinois and his nephews, Ronnie Myatt and wife Betsy of West Frankfort, Illinois and Barry Myatt and wife Sherrie of Florida. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Edward Lee Campbell III, his parents, his brothers, Jack and Gene Campbell who were killed in action during WWII, his sister, Margaret Myatt and a nephew, Bobby Myatt. Memorial contributions may be made to Jesus Helping Hands of Checotah.Funeral services will be held 10:30, Friday, January 16, 2009, at the First Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Ronnie Drake officiating. Pallbearers will be Gerald Searson, Gerald Searson, Jr., Jack Campbell, Jack Campbell, Jr., Kyle Shackelford, Shawn Searson. A military burial by the Marine Honor Guard will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Hunn, Black and Merritt Funeral Home and Crematory.