Forrest Reed Campbell

The family of Forrest Reed Campbell of Tucson, Arizona is saddened to announce his passing
on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. He was surrounded by his family and friends at his
residence, at the Arizona State Veteran Home.
Forrest was the youngest of five children, born on September 19, 1935 in Kane, PA to parents
Leo J and Adeline L. Weaver Campbell.
Forrest spent his childhood in Warren, PA and graduated from Warren High School in 1953. He
was a paperboy for the Warren Times Observer, played football, loved to sing and played the
trumpet as second chair for the high school band. After graduation he went on to join the United
States Marine Corp in 1953 and worked as an Airborne Radio Operator in Okinawa, Japan. He
was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1956. Upon his return he married his high school
sweetheart, Cecelia Marie Molinaro on November 17, 1956. He went to Edinboro State College
and graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. In 1962 Forrest enlisted
in the U.S. Air Force and was accepted into Officers Training School; in 1963 he graduated
Navigator Training. Forrest continued his training opportunities throughout his career: 1964
Graduate Navigator-Bombardier; 1964-1966 B-52 Combat Crew; 1966-1968 Emergency
Actions Officer, Command Post, Cigli AFB, Izmir, Turkey ; 1968-1970 F-4 Phantom
Instructor/Navigator Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, AZ; 1970-1971 Volunteer SEA
Vietnam F-4 Phantom/Night Owls 7AF Fighter Division/Ops Plans; He received the Bronze Star
Medal of Honor for Meritorious service. Medically grounded in 1971; he served as Squadron
Section Commander of Civil Engineering at McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas from 1971-1973.
Forrest was honorably discharged from the USAF as a Major in 1973 while stationed at
McConnell AFB. He was proud of his career and received many honors, commendations, and
citations, throughout his Air Force career. Forrest said the greatest highlight of his career was to
become Major. “That was a damn big deal for me!” Forrest was a true patriot and a man of
integrity, and courage who inspired those he worked with throughout his life.
Forrest retired from his 20 year military career in 1973 and returned to Tucson, AZ where he
began a new chapter of his life which included spending time with his family, coaching baseball
for his sons’ teams, acquiring and refinishing old cars, and starting a family business. Forrest
loved watching his baseball (Phillies) and football (Eagles) teams and would banter with anyone
who happened to be Cowboys fans. To Forrest music was the soundtrack of his life, he would
play and sing along to his favorites and ask anyone who came by, ”Hey, do you know who this
is?” Mostly it was Al Jolson, John Gary, Perry Como, Edith Piaf, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond,
and many more. Later as the grandchildren came along he spent time enjoying them and
educating them about the important things, baseball, football, cars, and music. His family meant
everything to him. He loved any and all family celebrations and played his eclectic variety of
music for all to hear. If you were lucky enough to call him friend then you were a friend for life
and also became part of the family.
Forrest is survived by Cecelia, his wife of 68 years, five children, Kathleen Sheldon (Dennis),
Forrest Campbell (Yvonne), Alene Burrell, John Campbell (Paula), Curtis Campbell (Emilee).
Also seven grandchildren, Rachel Barry, Evan Sheldon (Trishelle), Jessica-Lea Dwalibee (Nick),
Emily Boswell (Dylan), Nerissa Thompson (Troy), Nathalie (Charlie), and Nickolas Campbell, 13
great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.
Friends and family may express their condolences at a memorial service which will be held at
Marana Mortuary Cemetery
Friday, January 10, 2024 from 10:00-11 am.
Celebrant: Decan Mario Rodriguez
12146 W.Barnett Road, Marana, AZ 85653
Funeral Procession to follow to the Arizona Veteran Memorial Cemetery
11:30-12:20 for full Military Honors
15950 N. Luckett Road, Marana, Arizona