
Thomas Campbell
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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Tom Campbell on Friday, July 2nd in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
Tom was born on February 4th, 1946 in California, Missouri born to Thomas and Anna Campbell. He was the third of 4 children they would raise, Tom being the only son. Tom grew up in High Point, Missouri, a small, rural town where his father made a living on a small farm. Tom enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, doing farm chores, and growing up with two older sisters. Farming was a tough way to make a living, and at the age of 10 he and his family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where his father could make a more steady living. The family stayed in New Mexico 1-2 years, moving to Kansas City for the rest of Tom’s younger years. Tom went to school at Ruskin High School in Kansas City, was a member of the track team, and had an active social life.
Following high school, Tom attended college at University of Missouri, Rolla where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Upon graduation Tom volunteered for the Vietnam war effort in the US Air Force, stationed in Dayton, Ohio, using his knowledge and skills gained in school. He spent 4 years in the US Air Force. Bell Labs recruited Tom when he graduated and enrolled him in school at Purdue University for him to complete his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. While at Purdue he met his wife, Karla, spending the rest of his life with her, married for 52 years. Upon Tom finishing his Master’s degree he went to work at Bell Labs. Tom and Karla would also be blessed with the birth of their son, Tom at this time.
Tom spent his entire career working in Telecom, starting at Bell Labs in St. Louis. Tom held many positions, in many functions across the company in IT, network, mergers and acquisitions, and quickly worked his way up to leadership roles. His career gave him an opportunity to travel many different places of the world, and work with many different people at Bell Labs, SWB, SBC, and AT&T. Tom would reflect fondly of his career, but even more fondly of all of the friendships he formed, and the experiences he had with his dear colleagues.
When Tom retired, he and Karla moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas where he enjoyed playing golf regularly, volunteering at his church, and spending time with his son, and doting on his two grand daughters.
Tom was honest, hard working, and perseverant in everything he did. One of the most important things to Tom was his family and friends. He was a dedicated, caring husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. His care and kindness was unconditional, putting others needs above his own. He touched many people’s lives in a positive way.
Tom is survived by his wife, Karla of 52 years, his son Tom (Yakima, WA), two granddaughters, Riley and Erin, mother Ann Campbell (Bentonville), siblings- Karen & David (Littleton, NC), Mari and Gene (Flippin, AR), Kathy & George (Camdenton, MO), and many nieces and nephews.
Tom will be forever remembered and missed by many. Please share tributes, stories and photos below, so that Tom’s legacy can continue well beyond the time we were fortunate to have him with us all.