Cletis “Clete” Campbell, 92, of Wayne City, IL passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.
Clete was born at home in the Aden bottoms on January 22, 1934. He attended Garrison Grade School in Aden. At the age of 16, he began working in the oil fields. He later owned a farm in Sims and worked for 18 years as a gas truck driver for Legg & Sons Oil Company. Going back to his oil field roots, he eventually established Campbell Trucking Service, hauling salt water for the oil fields throughout the area.
In his early years, Clete enjoyed traveling to horse shows to support his children. As his family grew, he and his wife spent many years camping, woodworking and creating plaster crafts together. They exhibited their work at local craft fairs and even operated a craft store from their home. Clete also enjoyed the time he spent with his JT’s and gas station friends.
Family was the center of Clete’s life. He found joy spending time with his 6 children, 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He is survived by his children: Sherri Miller (Bill) of Dahlgren, Marty Campbell (Christina) of Sims, Carol Koch (Mike) of Dix, Denise Solomon (JD) of Iuka and MaLinda Koontz of Orchardville.
Clete is also survived by his grandchildren: Derek Miller (Emily) of Noblesville, IN; Dirk Miller’s spouse (Kim) of Savoy; Caleb Miller (Natalie) of McLeansboro; Kyle Campbell (Jill) of Evansville, IN; Megan James (Connor) of Noblesville, IN; Justin Koch (Heather) of Dearing, GA; Tim Koch (Melissa) of Woodlawn; Skyler Koch (Sebrina) of Texico; Sean Solomon (Cindy) of Wayne City; Katrena Foraker (Joe) of Iuka; Mindy Beal (Tyler) of Walnut Hill; Eric Solomon of Iuka; Timmy Carrol of Salem; Dakota Koontz of Fairfield; Dalton Campbell (Abra) of Orchardville; Heather Bowen (Kyle), South Carolina; Jennifer Downen (Ray) of Sims; and Colin Brickle of Evans, GA.
He was blessed with 40 great-grandchildren including:
Campbell, Emersyn, Ellie, Maggie, Masyn, Marlee and Mabry (Grandchildren of Sherri Miller)
Clyde, Harvey, Annie, Michael and Jett (Grandchildren of Marty Campbell)
Zerek, Zelena, Zaylor, Brooks, Aston, Alaina, Destiny and Tricia (Grandchildren of Carol Koch)
Dalton, Lily, Caden, Christopher, Gavin, Adrianne, Milee, Ragen, Ian, Ali, Harlen, Audie, Cora and Otto (Grandchildren of Denise Solomon)
Charlotte, Claire and Lilith (Grandchildren of MaLinda Koontz)
Kalel, Brantley and Azalea (Grandchildren of Kim Brickle)
Clete was preceded in death by his wives, LaVerne Campbell and Charlotte Campbell; his parents, Charlie & Maudie Campbell; his siblings, Alfred Campbell & Dorothy Marshel; his daughter, Kim Brickle; and his grandchildren, Dirk Miller and Sky Dickey.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Julie Piper of Wayne City, whose devoted care through the years meant so much to Clete and his wife, Charlotte.
Funeral services for Cletis “Clete” Campbell will be held at the Archie L. Sanders Memorial Chapel in Wayne City, IL at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026 with sons-in-law Bill Miller and Mike Koch officiating. A private family viewing will take place prior to public visitation. The chapel will be open to public visitation beginning at 12:00 noon and will be held until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Archie L. Sanders Memorial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Thomason Cemetery Fund” and will be accepted at the service or at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City.
Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com
