Robert F. "Bobby" Campbell

IN MEMORY OF: Robert F. “Bobby” Campbell Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Robert F. "Bobby" Campbell, 83 years old, passed away peacefully at his residence in Carbondale, IL. on February 9, 2024. He was born December 11, 1940 to Heddy (Shroyer) Campbell and Harold Campbell in Washington, D.C. Bobby was raised in Champaign, IL. He attended schools there and graduated from Champaign High School in 1958. He then enrolled in Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and earned his B.A. in Liberal Arts. After graduation, he began work in sales for IBM. He received many awards based on his knowledge, his reliability, and his legendary energy. Bobby continued to work in computer sales his entire life. He retired to Carbondale in 2002. Bobby's time in Carbondale gave him a great love for SIU. Throughout his life he attended every possible athletic event with his alumni friends. He wanted to be involved in everything "Saluki". Bobby loved the SIU "Education in Retirement" programs. He was also dedicated to The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for educational speakers, encouragement of open dialogue and a free press. The highlight of Bobby's year was always the Memorial Day Weekend Pig Roast. In 1963, Bobby helped organize the first annual Memorial Day Pig Roast, with pals from a small underground spot known as "The Rat Hole". His alumni friends would trek from across the country just to get together and celebrate the "Memorial Day Weekend Rat Hole Pig Roast". Bobby's favorite event was always the Saturday night "Best Joke of the Year Contest". As time went on the crowd thinned out, the location changed to a more "accessible" spot, and the "Rat Hole Pig Roast" became a one afternoon event. Bobby attended every year including the 60th anniversary party in 2023. This year will be a reunion as always, with a remembrance for all those who have slipped away, this year for the first time including Bobby. Bobby also loved his St. Louis Cardinals, thoroughbred horseracing, golf, tournament poker, and being home with his dog, Maxine. He enjoyed life and every one of his deep, long-lasting friendships. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Heddy & Harold Campbell, as well as mentor & friend Ms. Carrie Baines. Bobby will be deeply missed by his beautiful little sister and her husband, Patricia & Tony Furio, their two children, and three grandchildren. Friends across the country and Paul Satko will surely miss Bobby as well. Seven years ago, Bobby was diagnosed with Parkinson's. He fought against it with all he had. In his Rock Steady Boxing Classes, Misty Wright cheered Bobby on when he needed it the most. He would love Rock Steady to receive his remembrances: Checks to: SIU- C Memo line: "Rock Steady Boxing" Mail To: SIU Rec Center Jamie Schrader 300 E. Grand MC 6727 Carbondale IL 62901 He would also love Hospice to receive remembrances if preferred: Hospice of Southern IL. 204 Halfway Rd. Marion, IL. 62959 Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home.

Robert F. "Bobby" Campbell

December 11, 1940 - February 9, 2024