Ivan N. Campbell

CHARLESTON, IL – Ivan Nelson Campbell, age 82 of Charleston, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home and with loving family at his side on Saturday, February 1, 2020.  Visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will follow at noon with Reverend Dennis Strawn officiating.  Burial with Military Services to be conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post 93 combined honor guard will be at Kickapoo Cemetery located in Charleston Township south of Charleston.  Memorial gifts in his honor may be made to the Trojan Booster Club or to Donna Campbell to assist with final expenses.  Donations may be left at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Ivan was born December, 28, 1937 in Charleston, Illinois, a son of Clifford Harold “Baldy” and Icey Belle (Wright) Campbell.  Ivan loved the outdoors and much of his boyhood was spent living life along the river and lake and enjoying his leisure time fishing and boating.  Riding his horses was also a favorite past time.  Ivan was a graduate of Charleston High School and on August 14, 1956 he enlisted with the United States Navy and proudly served his country for four years on board the USS Marias.  Even as a young man, family was important to Ivan.  During his time in basic training, both his father and his sister, Reatha passed away and Ivan made a point to send money home to help support his mother and his nephews, Ricky and Jim.  Ivan later furthered his education by attending Lake Land College for two years.

Following his military service, Ivan found the love of his life and married Donna MarieWilson on June 16, 1961.  They have remained loving and faithful partners for nearly 59 years.  In addition to his loving and devoted wife, left to cherish their many memories are his three children, Clifford Charles Campbell and wife Linda, Donya Kay Galbreath and husband Loren, all of Charleston and Todd Allen Campbell and wife Paige, of Lerna; nine grandchildren, Joshua Ivan (Melanie) Campbell, Coartney Christine Hutchinson (Logan Murphy), Jesse Robert (Savannah) Campbell, Loren Cody (Emily) Galbreath, Wade Nelson Galbreath, Makayla Dale (Trey) Katz, DeAndra Rene Campbell, Kiera Marie Campbell and Tyalan Troy Campbell; two step-grandsons, Myles and Cameron Roberts; and six great-grandchildren.  Ivan has also been blessed with a large extended family which includes many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as a wealth of friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Reatha Mae Irby Wright, Betty Ruth Irby Strohl, Mildred Bernice Irby Ashby and two brothers, Samuel Robert Irby and Walter Lessil “Woody” Irby.

Ivan was a member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 and Friendship Baptist Church.   He had been attending the First United Methodist Church in Altamont, Illinois with family and reaffirmed his faith.  Prior to his employment with the Charleston School District, Ivan worked at Moore Business Forms for more than 33 years.

Ivan learned to play the guitar and an early age and sang lead, entertaining through the years at local clubs and events.  Many have enjoyed listening and dancing to the music of his band, “Ivan and the Country Boys”.  He enjoyed dancing as well with his lovely bride Donna until his health limited his activities.  Ivan was also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and could often be found sharing a game on the television with a fellow Cub fan.  Family continued to be important to Ivan as he experienced the joys of being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He could be found in attendance at his children and grandchildren's many activities, watching and cheering them on.

Ivan lived his entire life in and around Charleston.  He was the patriarch of his family and has blessed them with a treasured legacy, by instilling in them the same values and upstanding moral character that made him so loved and respected by all who knew him.  His memories will be forever cherished and held near and dear to the hearts of those who loved him.

Funeral Service
The funeral service celebrating Ivan's life was held at noon on Monday, February 10, 2020 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Reverend Dennis Strawn officiating.  Daughter-in-law, Paige Campbell gave the eulogy on behalf of the family.  Granddaughter, Coartney Hutchinson sang "A Bible and a .44" and Mike Duncan sang "I'll Fly Away".  Recordings of Ivan and the Country Boys singing "Daddy's Little Girl" and "Crazy Arms" were played as well as "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by Vince Gill.  Burial with Military Honors by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post 93 combined Honor Guard followed at Kickapoo Cemetery.  Those participating were Gary Grounds, Detail Commander; Dale Downs, Chaplain; Hatty Hughes, Bugler; Dave Finley and Bill Reed, Color Guard; Gale Poteete and Jesse Stephens, Color Bearers; and Darrell Nees, Paul Buerster, Bob Stewart, Chet Campbell, and Eugene Winnett, Riflemen.  Flag Folders were EM1 Jason Stuchlmeyer and LS3 William Tankoua from the Navy Funeral Detail in Decatur, Illinois.  Pallbearers were: Loren Cody Galbreath, Joshua Ivan Campbell, Jesse Robert Campbell, Wade Nelson Campbell, Tyalan Troy Campbell and Trey Quinton Katz.  Honorary Pallbearers were: Jim Miller Tom Campbell, Brad Campbell and Bill Levitt.

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