Gary Campbell

Gary Campbell, 57, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024, of natural causes in his home. He had been struggling with his health for many years from complications due to diabetes, strokes and multiple amputations, which included the loss of both of his legs. His passing leaves an enormous empty space in the hearts of so many who were lucky enough to know and love him, yet his tremendous heart and infectious spirit will live forever within us all.

Gary was born on March 12, 1967, in Des Moines, Iowa to Wilbur and Darlene Campbell. A graduate of Roosevelt High School in 1985, Gary furthered his education at Des Moines Area Community College where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Auto Mechanics Technology in 1987. Gary was an automotive technician/service writer for many years, which led to commercial and automotive window tinting, and negotiating in the buy/sell/trade business. In 2008, at the age of 41 years old, Gary married the love of his life, Amy Carroll, and together, they built a family and a life filled with love and laughter. Gary's legacy is carried on through his family.

Growing up, Gary was a natural at all sports—from baseball, basketball and football. He always joked about being the home run hitter at every baseball game because he was too big for running the bases. Gary inherited a love for mineral collecting and cooking from his parents. Gary loved cooking for family and friends and sharing his legendary barbeque dishes. Throughout his life, Gary found immense joy in various hobbies and interests—from ATVs to racing-style motorcycles to eventually race cars—anything with an engine was a passion for Gary. He was an adrenaline junkie and had the need for speed. He loved spending Saturday evenings watching the sprint car races in Knoxville, Iowa and on Sundays either watching the NHRA races on TV or in person. Gary had a unique gift of connecting with animals and developed an animal whisperer ability. He spent many years breeding animals that filled his 3-car garage and his basement. In his later years, he began collecting exotic birds and it was amazing to watch his connection with these beautiful animals. Some of the most memorable times for his children were when we started a small farm in our backyard with chickens, ducks and three baby piglets.

Gary was a person who filled the room with vitality, fun and laughter just by being present. He was a notorious prankster and known for his childhood and adult antics, the class clown, a best friend, confidant, stubborn as a mule, kind, caring and he never met a stranger. Gary was known for his generous spirit, his infectious smile, laughter and love for life, and loved spending time with his children. One of Gary’s greatest strengths was being the homemaker of the household and raising his son. If there was an event happening that he knew his child would benefit and learn from, he wouldn’t hesitate to ensure they would be by his side so he could teach them about the process. There was no limit to his love of learning, and he was often keen to share his newfound knowledge with anyone who would listen. He took great pride in bringing happiness to others and more than anything, he was fully intent on loving, and he did so profoundly.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Amy Campbell; children, Amber and Caleb Campbell; stepchildren, Jake (Danielle) Shaw and Stella Shaw; sister, Marcia (Andrew) Korontjis; half-sister, Carolyn Reid; step grandchildren, Sophie, Brennan and Haizley; and nephews, Michael Korontjis and Brandon Korontjis. Predeceased by his grandparents, parents and nephew Stephen Korontjis.

The family will be greeting friends on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 21st at 12 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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