Robert J. Campbell of Findlay, Ohio- beloved Daddikins, Gramps, E-pa, pastor, teacher, writer, and poet, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday morning at 84 years old, surrounded by love. Born to William and Lawilda (Coon) Campbell and first known as “R.J,” Bob was shaped early by a deep sense of faith, curiosity, and compassion that would guide his life’s work. Bob’s education consisted of A.A. 1961, Flint Community Junior College, B.A. 1963 from Adrian College, and M Div, 1967 from Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He was ordained a Deacon at the West Ohio Annual Conference in 1964 and an elder in 1967.
Bob met and married the love of his life, Joanne Stubbins, in 1964. He is survived by his loving daughter Cathy (Craig) Dewey, the blooms of his life, his grandchildren, Amanda Joanne (Harry) Dewey, Alex Ray (Emily) Dewey, Aric Robert (Brittany) Dewey and his darling loves, his great grandchildren Charlotte and Graham. He is also survived by brother Darwin Campbell (Teresa), sister-in-law Nancy Myers, many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends from all over the United States and world. Bob said his wife’s family meant as much to him as his own.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, sisters Lila, Arlene, Carole Ann, Charol, brothers Ronald, Arnold. Brother-in-law’s Bill Freeland, Harry Stubbins, Norman Myers, Russell Long, Frank Vollmar, sisters-in-law, Nancy Campbell, Karen Campbell, Carolyn Campbell, Doris Stubbins, Doris Long, and Mary Vollmar.
Bob started his career at Cygnet Faith United Methodist Church, followed by Xenia First UMC where he was an Associate Pastor to Stanley MacGilliard, who with his wife Mildred became lifelong friends. He then served at Stratford St Paul’s UMC in Delaware, Ohio, followed by Fayette UMC, Christ UMC in Napoleon Ohio, Ironton First UMC and lastly Hayes Memorial UMC in Fremont Ohio. He and Joanne retired in Findlay Ohio to be near the daughter and grandchildren. They joined St Andrews UMC in 2003 and have made dear friends there, particularly in their Methomates Sunday School class.
A gifted writer, poet, and master gardener, Bob authored Speaking Christ’s Word in 1980, had several devotions published in The Upper Room, and poetry read in church groups, senior centers, and coffee houses for young people. He’s had many articles published in various newsletters and newspapers, and some published in Alive Now! Bob was a member of the Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteers and a member of Men’s and Women’s Garden Club of Findlay for many years.
Bob will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4 pm-7 pm at the COLDREN CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church with visitation from 10am-11am, with services beginning at 11am. Burial will be held at 2 pm at Jerry City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bridge Home, Health, and Hospice, as well as St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.
