Gerald Daniel "Jake" Campbell

Gerald Daniel Campbell, better known to his friends and family as Jake, was born on March 18th, 1939 in Panola County, Texas. He passed away December 24th, 2020 from Covid-19, at the age of 81. Jake is survived by his best friend and wife of 47 years, Sheila Campbell. His four children: Walta Campbell; Anita Liddell, husband Mike; Wesley Campbell, wife Christy; and Eric Campbell, wife Bambi. His amazing grandchildren: Destiny Collins, husband Colton; Savannah Campbell; Elijah Campbell; Brice Campbell; Alyssa Parker, husband Matt; Cole Campbell; James Jeffrey Liddell; Kelsey May, husband Chase; and Kendal Curry; and his five great-grandchildren: John Westin Parker, Gunner, Kason, Grace Lynn, and Kynlee. With his heart set on being a military man, Jake joined the U.S Air Force in 1957. He was stationed in Alamogordo, New Mexico where he worked as an electrician. His greatest stories were about training monkeys who went into space. After the Air Force, he found a new opportunity at Boeing Aircraft in Shreveport, Louisiana. Then onto Texas Eastman in Longview, Texas, where he worked in research and development for 13 years. In October 1973 with strong convincing from his good friend Wally Hart, Jake set his eyes on Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he worked at John Zink Company for 25 years. Jake worked as an engineer in combustion and incineration. After retirement, not content with just sitting still, he continued to work as a consultant for John Zink. Thanks to his job he had the privilege of working all over the world, including more than 22 countries and a handful of continents, many with Sheila by his side. Jake loved to travel, the most memorable and amazing vacation was to Australia and New Zealand with best friends Gordon and Janette Edwards and Mary Ann and Dennis Thornton. Because he went to Hawaii 10 times, this may have actually been his second best vacation spot. He loved his job, but Jake wasn't just all business-he loved visiting new places and meeting new people. Those who knew him best know he never met a stranger, from knowing all the greeters at Sam's Club to striking up conversation in the aisle. When Jake was not physically traveling he loved going on story adventures with his pal Louis L'amour. He could always be seen with a Louis L'amour book in his pocket, that is until his grandkids introduced him to Apple Airpods. A true cowboy at heart, his joy for a good old Western movie was second to none. Jake had great balance in life, he knew sometimes the greatest adventures weren't that far from home. Maybe heading to the store to grab some more of his favorite peanut butter or just taking a moment to dance with his sweetheart in the kitchen. Jake loved everybody and everybody loved Jake. He was one of a kind. If there ever was a recipe to make the world a better brighter place simply add more Jake Campbells. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gideons International or your local food bank. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, December 29th, 1:00 p.m. A link for virtual service will be provided as soon as available. Entombment at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500

Gerald Daniel "Jake" Campbell

March 18, 1939 - December 24, 2020