Stephen James Campbell

Stephen James Campbell, 81, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away Friday, September 26, 2025 at Neuvant House after a long illness. No formal services are planned; however, family and friends are cordially invited to come share memories and celebrate his life at Pine’s Garden & Market on Saturday, November 8th from 2:00-4:00 PM.

Steve was born in Kansas City, MO on April 2, 1944 to Dr. James W. and Helen N. Campbell.

He didn’t meet his father, who was stationed with the military in Europe during WWII, until he was 18 months old. The family moved to Lawrence shortly after the war. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1962, where he participated in a wide range of service and civic-oriented activities and also made all-league as a football player under legendary coach Al Woolard. He attended the University of Kansas, where he received his B.A. in history and Juris Doctoral degrees. He was a member of the Kansas Bar Association during his working years.

Steve enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and was discharged in 1973. He was stationed at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, TX throughout his tenure where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, served in multiple leadership capacities, and was named Enlisted Man of the Year in 1971. Upon leaving the Air Force he was hired by United Missouri Bank main branch in Kansas City where he spent his entire career serving primarily as a trust officer until his retirement in 2003 as senior vice-president. When not “working” Steve was an active and ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He served on several boards and as a volunteer in many capacities that culminated in receiving the distinctive “Silver Beaver” award, which is the highest recognition given by the organization for distinguished service.

Steve married Marilyn (Marnie) Mohs in 1969 at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village where they were active members until Marnie’s untimely death from cancer in 2005. Both of them became staunch and vocal advocates for the rights of the sensory disabled following the birth of their only son, Chris, and in particular the hearing impaired. Steve married Cindy Eller in 2009 with whom they shared many happy years together in retirement.

Steve is survived by his son, Christopher M. Campbell, his wife Rhonda, and grandchildren Cody and Danika; his wife Cindy and her children Piper, Shanna, and Jay from a previous marriage; his siblings Susan (Bob), Sam (Becky), and Scott (Leslie) along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of his physicians and caregivers, Pioneer Ridge, Interim Health Care and Hospice, Rumsey Funeral Home, and all those who helped attend to his welfare in his later years. The family suggests memorial contributions in Steve’s name to support scouting activities at Camp Naish, located in Bonner Springs, KS by going to: https://www.hoac-bsa.org/friends-of-scouting