Gerardo Guy Campbell, MSgt USAF (Ret)

Gerardo Guy Campbell, MSgt USAF (Ret)

December 30, 1932 – May 20, 2020

Age 87

Gerardo Guy Campbell, MSgt USAF (Ret) was born December 30, 1932 in Panama City, Panama. He went home to be with our Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. A resident of Bellevue, Nebraska for over 48 years, Gerardo was 87 years old when he died.

As a young man, Gerardo was introduced to golf where he became a caddy and an avid golfer. Becoming a golf enthusiast, he played well into his 70’s.  Also in his youth, Gerardo took piano lessons and three years of nightly typing lessons becoming a highly proficient typist.

After graduation from the Instituto Nacional, Gerardo left Panama for San Francisco where he attended Heald Engineering College to study radio-television technology. After exhausting his funds, Gerardo returned to Panama marrying Olga, his sweetheart of 6 years.

Having been exposed to the vast opportunities provided by the US, Gerardo was eager to return. He successfully reentered the US as a permanent resident in January 1958. Shortly after his return he enlisted into the Air Force where he served 20 years. During his military service he was assigned to Sioux City Air Base (AB), Iowa; Lincoln Air Force Base (AFB), Nebraska; March AFB, California; Da Nang AB, South Vietnam, Minot AFB, North Dakota and Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He retired from the Air Force in 1979.

Following his Air Force retirement Gerardo went to work for Union Pacific where he worked primarily as an accountant until his second retirement in the early 90’s.

Gerardo loved education and attended Bellevue College where he earned three bachelor of arts degrees: Accounting, Business Administration and Spanish.

Never losing touch with his Latin roots, Gerardo was a long-time member and club officer of the Club Borinquen. A social club for people of Puerto Rican and Central American heritage.

Gerardo was an active member of the Knights of Columbus participating in many of their Annual International Golf Tournaments. He was also a member of the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Gerardo was preceded in death by his parents Ezekiel and Rowena Campbell. Gerardo was the middle of three brothers. His other two brothers: Orlando Edwards and Norton Campbell preceded him in death. Gerardo is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Olga C. Campbell (Belgrave). His other survivors include two sons Gerardo O. and Gregory A. Campbell. Gerardo has three grandsons: Antonio, Nathaniel, and Daniel. Gerardo also has two nephews, two nieces and several relatives residing in Panama, Jamaica, Canada, England, and the United States.

Memorial Service will be held at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel, 2202 Hancock Street at 1 pm on Thursday, 28 May with viewing from 11 am to 1 pm. He will be buried at Bellevue Cemetery later that afternoon.

The family requests in lieu of sending flowers, please make a charitable donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

For video of the Funeral Service, click the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/gerardo-guy-campbell-msgt-usafret-360803

Interment: Bellevue Cemetery

Military Honors: Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard

 

11 Comments

  • CHRISTOPHER MOHR Posted May 23, 2020 3:39 am

    I will never forget you Gerardo. Our 34 years of friendship, 20 years of playing golf together will remain in my heart forever. Thank you for being a friend to me and my family.
    I have nothing but fond memories of our friendship and good times we shared. You and your family were always so kind and caring to me. I miss you and love you my dear friend.
    Rest in God’s eternal love and peace forever.
    CHRISTOPHER MOHR

    • Gerardo O. Campbell Posted May 30, 2020 9:43 pm

      Hi Christopher for your kind words regarding your friendship with my dad and his impact. It means so much to me and our family.
      Gerardo

  • John and Marie Kuklinski Posted May 24, 2020 6:28 pm

    Marie and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Campbell family on the passing of Mr Gerardo. Please take solace in knowing our Heavenly Father will embrace him and provide you the strength to endure the pain of his passing. Most sincerely.

    • Gerardo O. Campbell Posted May 30, 2020 9:48 pm

      Thank you John and Marie for your condolences. We do have peace and comfort knowing my father is with our Lord and Savior. God bless you.

  • Cynthia Belgrave Posted May 26, 2020 9:01 am

    From the family of Cynthia Belgrave, I know he was cousin, but I thought of him as an uncle. I remember Campbell, my grandfather, Olga speaking Spanish when we had gatherings at my grandparents house. I loved hearing them speak as a child. I loved his smile even in the later years when he came out to the VA for care. Even though families aren’t close in presence at these current times, I pray that my family knows that we still love and care from a far. God Bless him and my family.

    • Gerardo O. Campbell Posted May 30, 2020 9:55 pm

      Hi Cynthia it was a joy to see you, Charles, and June at the memorial service. It’s been so many years. It was great to learn you were able to connect with my dad and mom when he was at the VA hospital. Let’s plan on staying in touch.
      Gerardo

  • Jim and Becky Gigrich Posted May 27, 2020 8:56 am

    Greg, Becky and I send our upmost condolences. We are so sorry for your loss. I will never forget your dad with all the great parties, dancing and music as a kid. He was such a wonderful and nice man. I have fond memories of him and your family. Our prayers are with you and may God Bless him and your family. Jim

    • Gerardo O. Campbell Posted May 30, 2020 9:59 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing your memories of my dad. It means a lot to our entire family. Your prayers are appreciated.
      Gerardo

  • Andy And Teresa Metzger Posted May 27, 2020 9:01 am

    Teresa and I would like to express our sincere condolences. He was always a warm presence at the daily masses at St Matthew and his grandkids always loved seeing him there. He was always pleasant to talk to. We celebrate his service to our country and his zest for learning. Please know we will be praying for you and your family in the coming days.

  • Gerardo O. Campbell Posted May 30, 2020 10:02 pm

    Thank you for sharing the impact of my father’s presence. We welcome and appreciate your prayers.
    Gerardo

  • Roy Gertig Posted June 29, 2020 7:42 pm

    I am just catching up on several of my friends / colleagues who have passed away. I’m saddened by Gerardo’s passing. I knew him since 1990 as active Knight’s members. Reading his story, how much I didn’t know, about his military background, early radio/television, and his love of golf. Gerardo was fairly quiet and I never got to know any of these things until now. Condolences to the family please.

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