Joey C. Campbell was born on June 14, 1939 to Glen "Tex" and Icie Campbell. He passed away on April 24, 2009 in Bakersfield, CA after being diagnosed with cancer three weeks earlier. He fought hard to the end, never giving up, and to those who knew Joey, they know just how stubborn he could be.
Joey graduated from McFarland High School in 1958. He and his brothers, Donnie, Johnnie (his twin) and "Bow", played baseball and either won or fought their way out of town. The Perry brothers were… usually a part of their shenanigans. He was an all-star athlete, earning the top male athlete award his senior year. His reward was a pass to all league games for McFarland High School - an award he used faithfully to watch his children, Joey and Shannon throughout their high school careers. Joey served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer in North Korea and played All-Army baseball. He married Carol Ash on May 29, 1964. This May would have been their 45th wedding anniversary - they shared a full and interesting life together. They had two children, Joey and Shannon.
Joey became a California Highway Patrol officer in 1965. He loved his job and made many, many friends during the course of his 29 years of service. He was one of a few to earn the title of Corporal. One of the proudest moments of his life was pinning the badge of the CHP on his son, Joey, in 1989. Father and son were able to work together for approximately one year before his retirement in 1994.
Joey and Carol traveled the United States and Canada for nearly 10 years in a 34-ft. motor home, making more friends along the way. In 2004 they bought a house in Circleville, Utah and settled in to hunt, fish and meet even more people. Joey never met a stranger and any place he went, he always seemed to know someone. Most people who knew Joey well will remember his special gesture of greeting.
TC Ash, Joey's father-in-law, held a special place in his heart - he loved visiting, traveling and playing "31" with him and Chris.
Joey was an avid hunter, running dogs with his late Uncle Guy and brother, "Bow". Joey's last hunting trip was in Utah with his son. He put in for tags this year not knowing if his name would be drawn. He and Carol loved to fish and made it a regular part of their lives. Joey belonged to the Mason Lodge #309 along with his dad and brothers, Donnie and John.
Joey was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Shirley and Madeline and brothers, Johnnie and Bow. He is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Joey, his wife, Karen and their children, Lauren and Abigail; daughter, Shannon, and her children, Blake, Audrey and Kai. He is also survived by brother, Don and wife, Sharon and sister, Diana and husband, Thad. A beloved man, Joey will be missed by a host of family and friends.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Gene Anderson for his exceptional care, especially during his recent illness and Hoffman Hospice for helping the family through this difficult time. Graveside services will be held at Wasco Cemetery in Wasco, CA on Wednesday, April 29th at 1 p.m. Joey requested casual attire, jeans and boots, be worn to his services. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the CAHP Orphan and Widows Fund, 2030 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95818, 916-452-6751. Arrangements are being handled by Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, CA.