Walter Allen Campbell (Age 93) (Chattaroy, WA)

Formerly of Newport, Washington, Walt went home to be with the Lord on February 5th, 2021 due to complications with Pneumonia. Walt was born on October 31st, 1927 in Viola, Idaho to Edna (Gerber) & Archie Campbell. He grew up in Viola and attended school at Mountain Jim Schoolhouse on Flannigan Creek, through the 8th grade.

Walt entered the military in 1946 and was a sergeant in the 3704 Army Air Force Unit, where he became an Airplane and Engine mechanical instructor. He was stationed at Keesler Field, in Mississippi through 1947 when he was honorably discharged. In April of 1963, Walt was ordained in Garfield, Washington.

Walt married the love of his life, Jeanette (Pearce-Hughes) on March 30th, 1967 at The Hitching Post in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. After Walt and Jeanette married, they built a house in Oldtown, Idaho where they raised four of Jeanette's five boys and later adopted two daughters. He and Jeanette later moved to Newport then Spokane, finally settling in Chattaroy, where they resided until their passing. He was a "Walt" of many trades. He was a logger, farmer, mechanic, well driller, carpenter, Minister of the Gospel and so much more. Once he commented that he would retired many times, only to start something new and get "re-tired" all over again. He had his own logging business (including 'horse-logging with his two draft horses Buddy & Clyde) in the 1960's, 70's, 80's. He built and ran The Silver Birch Trailer Court in Oldtown, Idaho. He owned and operated a well drilling business in the 1970's and 80's.

Walt was a man who followed his faith in the Lord. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone and everyone who needed it, no matter who the person was; especially, if he thought it would help those in need spiritually as well as materially. He built and pastored the New Testament Church in Oldtown, which later he relocated to a bigger building on HWY 2 just south of Newport. He ministered to many people at several organizations, including The Jail Ministry in Newport and Spokane. He also spent much of his later time preaching at The Lord's Ranch on Fertile Valley.

Walt was a husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved them all and they all loved him right back. He was "Papa Walt' to just about every kid in the neighborhood and in the church. Through the years it was common to see the kids following him around to help in the garden or with the farm animals. Another common sight was papa with one of the smallest kids in his recliner fast asleep. He had a unique ability to calm down the fussiest babies, perhaps due to the love and peacefulness they could feel flowing from his spirit.

Walt was a prolific gardener, who could grow just about anything from fruits and vegetables, to garden flowers. In his later years, he even got in on helping Jeanette with canning and preserving much of the things he grew. Eventually the chore of helping Jeanette can become one of his favorite hobbies. One vegetable he was particularly fond of growing was cabbage. Huge, beautiful heads of cabbage which he turned into some of the most amazing sauerkraut. He 'cured' it in a huge old 50-gallon wooden whisky barrel that he kept on the front porch. He passed his love of gardening and green thumb to his kids and grand kids and great grand kids who are now also good gardeners. One of his other favorite things was taking care of his little flock of chickens. Walt enjoyed multiple different card games such as Pinochle, Rummy, and Cribbage. He enjoyed playing Slap Jack and Go Fish with the littles! There was lots of camping, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities enjoyed throughout the summer months. Winters brought sleigh rides with the kids on bales of hay on his home made 'stone boat', behind the draft horses. There were countless taffy pulling sessions after church functions.

Walt, in his later years was known for his ability to outwork most men while getting firewood even up until the summer of 2020 when he finally took a long break. Papa loved to make pancakes and his famous heart stopping burgers for all of the grand kids.

As a minister, he was pleased and honored to officiate at family weddings including his daughter, Debbie (& Del), and his Granddaughters, Kristen (& Sven), Sarah (& Chris) and Aimee (& Kori). He always said a wedding should be a 'short & sweet' event. He saved the long sermons for funerals.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life and true soul mate, his wife of 53 years, Jeanette and his sister, Jone Phillips, his stepson, Barry Hughes and great granddaughter Erin Thibodeau.

He is survived by his daughters; Debbie (Del) Haynes, Diane (Frank) Lukas, Stepsons; Jim (Susan) Hughes, Lanny (Susan) Hughes, Randy Hughes and David Hughes. 18 grandchildren (29 including spouses) and 23 great grandchildren. Walt was truly an amazing man, and he will be missed by everybody who knew him.

The memorial service will be held at The Church of Faith in Oldtown, Idaho, February 19th at 11 AM. Private interment.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services in Newport is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com.