Mark Anthony Campos, Sr.
August 20, 2011
Mark Campos, who loved his wife, nurtured his three children, adored his two granddaughters, cheered decades of Dowling athletes and coached youth sports teams for almost 30 years, died August 20 after a short illness.
Born September 13, 1953, Mark bragged of receiving all of his sacraments at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, where he married Paula Kirby 35 years ago. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School and Des Moines Area Community College and he worked at Western International (AMF) and Marsh, Inc.
Mark loved sports. He began coaching youth teams when his children began playing softball and baseball and coached long enough to add his granddaughters to his roster of athletes. He spent 17 years as a volunteer coach in the Greater Des Moines Catholic Youth Football League. He would have been proud to see his last team, the eighth-grade Packers, race across the Drake Stadium field before last Friday's Dowling-Valley high school game.
Mark rarely missed a Maroon football game and cheered the baseball team as it won the Class 4-A state title earlier this summer at Principal Park.
In addition to his wife Paula, he is survived by daughter Amy, her husband, Francisco Colon, and their two daughters, Karolyna and Amaya; son Mark, Jr., and his wife Angela; son Brian; brother Art Rivera and his wife Kay; two cousins who grew up in his home, Marcia Lagunas Stewart and Tony Lagunas; and many nieces, nephews and other cousins.
A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. rosary, on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road. A funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 25, 2011, at the church. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Catholic School or Dowling Catholic High School.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bly and Riley Gage
08/26/2011
Just last night I learned of Mark's passing. Needless to say, Riley and I were shocked and saddened by this news. We wish we would've learned about it sooner so we could've attended services. Mark was a great coach and we both enjoyed being around him. Mark opened the door for me for some great opportunities which I thoroughly loved. Thanks to Mark, coaching has become a great love of mine and I still coach softball every year. Riley was kind of in shock. We just ran into Mark at a HyVee just a little while ago. Just wanted to let you know that we are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all.
Diane(Buckner)Scholl
08/26/2011
Paula my thoghts and prayersa are with you. I didn't know Mark well but I know you and you were kind and funny don't lose that and you will be fine.
Robert Gideon
08/25/2011
Unfortuantely, I am out of the state and cannot make it to the services. Mark was one of the first people I worked with when I started with KVI back in 1998. Mark loved his family and genuinely cared about people. He was quick with a joke, but once playtime was over, it was time for work. When he had work to do, he would bust his rear to get it done. He could always make you laugh, and will be missed.
Sammy Smith
08/25/2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Mark while coaching with the Catholic Football League, additionally my wife worked with Mark at Marsh. He loved working with those young men and was a great influence. We developed a friendship and I was saddened to learn of him leaving us so early. He will truly be missed by family and friends.
Luis Gonzalez
08/24/2011
My deepest sympathies to the Campos family. I can not attend the funeral service, since I'm out of state, but I would like to make a donation to ST. Anthony's church in Mark's memory.
Dianna Coghlan
08/24/2011
I have known Mark for a few years. He will be greatly missed at Marsh. I enjoyed his sense of humor and he always made you laugh.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Brian Barker
08/24/2011
I will greatly miss Mark. I have worked closely with Mark for the last 14 years, and have always looked forward to our morning greetings each day. Mark had a great sense of humor, and could take it as well as dish it out with the best of them. Mark had a genuine drive to ensure things were done consistenly, and in the best interest for what was right for the business. His love for his family, and sports were known to be a priority in his life by all of his co-workers. Disbelief is a feeling I have with this sudden loss. My family's thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Tony Hixson
08/23/2011
I've known Mark for most of my 11 years at Marsh. He always made me smile...he was a good friend!
Melissa Cano Zelaya
08/23/2011
Dear Amy,
Words can't express the shock that I felt when I learned of your dad's passing. It seems like it was only a few days ago that I saw him at church with your mom. I will always remember his quiet demeanor and his strong faith. And such an avid Dowling fan (yeah!). He was a rock for his family and he'll be dearly missed by all of his loved ones.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Lyn Wheatley
08/23/2011
I didn't know Mark very well, but we often hit the Marsh parking lot at the same time in the morning. He was always pleasant as we exchanged what we thought of the day to come. He was far to young. Your family has my deepest sympathy.
Art Hickman
08/23/2011
I enjoyed working with Mark at both KVI and Marsh. Mark was one of the good guys. We could always count on Mark to do his job well. Mark had a great sense of humor and was liked by everyone he worked with. Above all Mark loved his family. I know he is now with his heavenly father watching over those he loved.
Jeff
08/23/2011
Eternal rest grant unto Mark, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Mike Urness
08/22/2011
Mark was one of my favorite people at Marsh. We had long-time Ankeny-Dowling rivalry, which he usually came out on top of and although I know he wanted to rub it in bad, he would always kinda take it easy on me. That is the kind of person Mark was, generous, thoughtful and just a pleasure to be around. He will be missed by his family at Marsh. My thoughts and prayers to the family, Godspeed....
Roy Chambers
08/22/2011
I had the pleasure of working with Mark over the past 5+ years at Marsh. Whenever Mark and I worked an issue, I always knew a good joke, or funny comment, was not far off. His humor, work ethic, sincerity, and kindness have always been appreciated, and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roy Chambers
Mike and Rose Marie Vasquez
08/22/2011
Dear Paula and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Mark's death. He was a great man, that impacted the lives of many young men. Our boys all have fond memories of time spent with Mark.
You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. I hope there is some solace in knowing that Mark exemplfied a life well lived as a good man.
God bless,
Mike, Rose Marie Vasquez & family