Joseph Malcolm Campbell

Joseph Malcolm Campbell, age 92, passed away surrounded by his family on September 8, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Martha Dolores Shepherd Campbell. Joseph and Martha celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 26, 2022. Joseph was born to and preceded in death by, Rueben Henry Campbell and Mary Lackey Campbell on September 29, 1929.

Loving father of Joseph Melvin Campbell (d. 1986) and Margaret Campbell Davis (Neal). Devoted grandfather of Eliot Grace Davis (Jeff), Ella Rose Davis (Mason), Lily Brannon Davis (Tyler) and Luke Campbell Davis (Judy).

Joseph was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Alexandria, VA. He was the second of four siblings and is survived by many nieces and nephews. He worked multiple jobs from an early age, always seeming to have his hands on some kind of brick, rock, sand or stone. Joseph’s father was a brick mason, and his father in law, a carpenter. He learned those skills and used them to build the family home in Virginia. Joseph worked many years as a superintendent of quarries, trained soldiers in the safe use of heavy equipment, and served as a safety inspector for the Federal Bureau of Mines. Joseph started his own family business, Rock, Stone and Sand Yard, in 1972. His son, Joe, operated the business until his passing in 1986. Joseph took pride in his work, ending his long career at the age of 88, driving car trades for a local dealership.

Joseph and Martha (affectionately known as “Papa” and “Ama”) moved to St. Louis, MO in 1994 with the birth of their second grandchild. Papa faithfully provided his grandchildren rides to and from school and multiple activities. Papa and Ama attended their grandchildren’s concerts, performances, meets, and milestone ceremonies. Together they shared a deep love of nature and history, especially the history of Virginia. Even as mobility became difficult, they followed their daughter and grandson to numerous Civil War reenactments. Despite their southern roots, they supported our Union roles. Joseph was an avid birder throughout his adult life. Together he and Martha participated in the conservation of the Bald Eagle in Mason’s Neck, Virginia, and have continued to serve the Audubon Society as citizen scientists. Joseph was a self taught photographer. His prints and videography reflect his passions: family and nature. He delighted in sharing his ability to “fix things”. Joseph’s avocation has long been stock car racing, and holding season tickets to the Daytona 500 for over 20 years.

Joseph and Martha married and baptized their children at Cranford United Methodist Church. They have been members all of their adult lives. Joseph’s quiet, abiding faith will remain with us always. The family asks that you respect Martha’s deep sense of privacy. Joseph’s immediate family will celebrate his life in a small backyard service. At the time of Martha’s passing, there will be a joint funeral and burial at Cranford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cranford United Methodist Church, 9912 Old Colchester Road, Lorton, Virginia 22079.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the CAMPBELL family.