Fred Robert Campbell

Fred Robert Campbell

Oct. 17, 1918 -- Jan. 7, 2014

TRENTON, Nebraska -- Fred Robert Campbell, age 95, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at the Equinox facility in Gualala, California, where he had been in elder care for the past five years.

He was born Oct. 17, 1918, in Gretna, Nebraska, to William Lewis and Emma (Pahmeyer) Campbell. His family moved to the Trenton community in 1930, when they took up residency on the former Britton place on Old Highway 34.

Fritz was married to Helen Yvonne (Sander) Campbell for 57 years before her death in Dec. 2002. In 1945, Fritz and Helen took up residency in their home on Old Highway 34 where they worked and raised their family. In his earlier years, Fritz was employed by the railroad when he was first married, and later he worked for the local Co-op. As their family was growing up, Fred and Helen not only farmed, but ran the local Campbell Creamery and Produce, made brooms, repaired shoes, and ran the Roxy Theatre on weekends, often providing free movies for prom night or various community festivities. In his retirement years, Fritz managed the Trenton city landfill and was an avid gardener who shared his produce, especially his renowned pumpkins, with others in the Fall.

Preceding Fred in death were his wife, Helen; his son, James Robert Campbell, who was killed in Vietnam; his brothers, William, Loyd, and Frank (and wife, Eula), and his parents, William and Emma Campbell.

Fred R. Campbell is survived by a son, George and wife Eunice of Ocean View, Hawaii, and a daughter, Mary and husband, Mike Payne of Lawrence, Kansas; four grandsons, J.R. Campbell and wife, Melissa, Chris Campbell (Jennifer Saito), Michael Payne and wife, Julia, and Joey Payne and five great-grandchildren, Ash and Willow Campbell of Kent, Ohio, and Simone and Sophia Campbell-Saito of Pleasanton, California, and Amelia Payne of Belton, Missouri.

Fred also leaves behind two nieces, Kathy (George) Hock of Culbertson, and Rita (Robert) Johnson of Kearney, and two nephews, Royce (Joan) Campbell of Columbus, and Paul Campbell of Culbertson.

Memorials may be given to the Trenton Rescue Squad, which now resides on the former Campbell Creamery and Produce location.

Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, 1-8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences to the family.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. Burial will follow at the Trenton Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.