Frank Campos

September 14, 1930 - June 14, 2021

The surviving member of a proud Spanish family, Frank Campos was a first generation American.

He was born in Mt. View, CA. but raised in New Monterey. He attended Bay View School, Monterey High and MPC, and later graduated from The University of the Philippines while in the service.

Before leaving on a career that would bring him to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force, Campos married his high school sweetheart Betty Lou Burton, of Pacific Grove on August 17, 1952. Together they traveled the world, living throughout the United States and overseas while raising five sons, all born in different states and countries. Crisscrossing the country in a station wagon with various small dogs, this family of seven moved 29 times in 22 years, living in or passing through nearly every state in the union during that time.Frank’s honorable 22-year career in the Air Force included work with the Air Defense Command, the Inspector General, and a posting at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. He later retired as Chief Appraiser from Monterey Savings and Loan (Coast Federal).

Tennis played a major role in Frank’s life. He started playing at Monterey High School and continued throughout his life, collecting trophies along the way. His competitive spirit and love of the game kept him on the court to age 85 years.

Frank settled into a good and happy life with his beloved Betty Lou, enjoying travel, tennis, and socializing with dear friends and loved ones. He loved his regular poker game with a small group of close friends that met for decades. Community-minded, he was an active member of the Monterey Host Lions Club, S.C.R.A.M.P. He also worked the Crosby and A.T.&T. golf tournaments for years.

Frank was a loving husband and father who spent quality time with his family, including many memorable fishing trips in Colorado and Newfoundland. He was a man of integrity, fairness, and kindness, who taught his five sons right from wrong by the way he lived his life.

In addition to his wife, Betty, and sons, Frank, David, Dan, John, and Jim, he is survived by daughters-in-law, Sharon, Lilly, Ellen, Debbie and Lucie. He loved being called “Grandpa Darlin” by his ten grandchildren, Monique, Jennell (Dallas), Laura, Leslie, Robert (Kacey), Nick, Sam, James, Sara (Austin), and Rachel plus his great-grandchildren, Jake, Lucie, Jessie, Jillian, and June. He leaves many nieces, nephews, and extended family, always known to them as “Uncle Frankie”. They all felt his love.

Frank passed away quietly on June 14th, 2021 with his wife Betty and dog Sally at his side, three months from his 91st birthday and two months from his 69th wedding anniversary. He led a full, joyful and meaningful life: He was a patriarch of a large family of good people living happy, productive lives.

He will be missed but cherished forever in our hearts and memories.

Special thanks to the “Angel’s” at Hospice of the Central Coast, for their compassion, kindness, and care.

Donations in Frank Campos’ name may be made to the Hospice of the Central Coast, #2 Upper Ragsdale Dr. Bldg. D Suite D120, Monterey, CA 93940, the SPCA of the Monterey County, PO Box 3058, Monterey, CA, 93942 or donor's choice.

Burial will take place at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery with full Military Honors on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 2:00 PM.