SOUTH PARIS – Sheldon Campbell, 87, of Canton, died Sunday afternoon, Feb. 17, 2013 at the Maine Veteran’s Home in South Paris.
He was born on Dec. 22, 1925, in Canton, a son of Ralph E. and Maude (Cummings) Campbell, Sr. He attended Canton schools. Sheldon enlisted in the US Navy on Mar. 28, 1944 and served until June 14, 1946. He was sent from New York on a yard craft barge that traveled throughout the Panama Canal, on to Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, and Guam. He was the last remaining officer that served on that craft.
After returning home and starting a family, he returned to active duty with the Seabees on Apr. 22, 1969, leaving his wife and seven children to serve his country again for a year. Throughout his life he always stood for those who served and was extremely proud of his own service record. A true military person at heart, he never forgot those that went before him.
He grew up on a farm with eight siblings, knowing what hard work was from a young age, having to take care of livestock before and after school. In adulthood, he maintained a love for farming in his spare time. He loved to hay on his McCormick Deering tractor and later with his John Deeres. He continued raising livestock over the years. He loved to attend animal and farm equipment auctions.
Sheldon worked at Oxford Paper Company in maintenance, retiring after 41 years.
Some of his favorite moments were the Sundays he and his wife would take off on unknown adventures ending up on a farm somewhere to visit. Other favorite times were watching his children with their horses and ponies. He also enjoyed family celebrations and holidays.
He is survived by his wife, Norma J. (Davis) Campbell of Canton, whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage to on Oct. 18, 2012; his children, Sheryl Campbell and Peter Hines of Bowdoinham, Marcia (Campbell) Cummings and her husband, Rick of South Paris, Maria Amero of Turner, Jacalyn Whittemore of CT and Cindy Holland of Canton; son-in-law, Mark Blanchette of Canton; brother, Neil Campbell of Canton; grandchildren, Steven Campbell, David Hutchins, Marc-Eric and Matthew Amero, Jason Holland, Dawn Daigle, Darcy Holland, Scotty and Ashley Whittemore, Amber and Amanda Evans, Shandi Averill, Briann and Samantha Blanchette; great grandchildren, Dominique and Kelsey Hutchins, Cameron Amero, Aubury and Colton Daigle, Tristen Whittemore, Connor, Gracie, Colby and Madelyn Averill.
He was predeceased by two children, Cheri Blanchette and Sherwood Campbell; a granddaughter, Sarah Bragg; siblings, Eleanor, Annie, Marguerite, Polly, Ralph, Frank and Carlton.
Memorial services with military honors will be held noon, Friday, April 5, 2013 in the chapel at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.
Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Sheldon’s family and friends at www.wilesrc.com.
Arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Center, 42 Weld St., Dixfield.
My thoughts,prayers and condolences go out to the family of SheldonCampbell. Sherwood was a wonderful man and I remember how much he helped my son Stanley when we lived in Canton to get his steers to the Fryeburg Fair and to get hay for feed. Stanley spent many hours,days and time with Sheldon and his son Sherwood and all the Campbell family. It is sad to see that one more of our veterans has gone on to the great commander of all. May Sheldon rest in peace and he will suffer no more. His family has always been special to my family. Love you all
My condolences to his family, such a wonderful man, always a true gentleman and loved his country ~ a true American Patriot, it was an honor to meet and be friended by Sheldon