Johnny Campbell

Johnny “John” Payton Campbell, 96, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022, at Capital Region Medical Center, with his children by his side. He was born on September 15, 1926, in Tolar, Texas, the 7th child of the late Oscar Lee and Celia Belle (Gardner) Campbell. On May 17, 1947, he was united in marriage in Fort Worth, Texas, to Margaret Ellen Williams, who preceded him in death. John graduated from Lipan High School in 1944. He would then join the United States Navy and serve during WWII until his release in 1946. Following his time in the military, John earned his Bachelor’s of Business Administration from North Texas State in Denton, Texas. He graduated with his Master’s in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Seminary in 1961. John dedicated his life and career as a pastor in Texas, Indiana, and Missouri. He proudly served as lead pastor at First Baptist Church of California for many years. He was a member of Southridge Baptist Church in Jefferson City in his later years. John was an avid gardener, loved to watch basketball, always cheering for the Texas teams, and playing games with his family. He earned the title of father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will be missed by all who love him. He is survived by his children, Kay Ellen Jahnel (David), of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kandy Fern Campbell, of Jefferson City, Mo., and David Jack Campbell (Karen), of Independence, Mo.; siblings, Thomasene Harris and Ann Scott, both of Granbury, Texas; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Marge; and his siblings, W.D. “Buster,” Cathryne, Alma, Yvonne, Don, Sis, Dalton, and Margaret. Friends and family will be received from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Southridge Baptist Church. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Greg White officiating. He will be laid to rest at Summit Memorial Park Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Southridge Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.