Clare Earl Campbell, of Bellville, Ohio passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026 in his home surrounded by the love of his family at the age of 89. He was born on September 17, 1936 in Mansfield to the late LaVern and Helen Michener Campbell.
Clare was a man truly devoted to his Christian faith in Jesus Christ. He loved our Lord and Savior and wasn’t afraid to witness to people with words and his singing voice. An Irish tenor, Clare loved to spread the gospel with music. Clare led choirs and congregational singing at various churches. He was a member of several local quartets and a family singing group. His faith never wavered and he remained a life long student of the Bible.
In his spare time he enjoyed time spent with his model trains and R.C. aircraft. Clare also enjoyed his flight simulator on his computer. He proudly served in the Ohio Army National Guard from 1954 until 1957 with Foxtrot Company, 145th Infantry Regiment. Professionally, Clare was a longtime, dedicated employee of Met’s Auto Supply where he worked as a machinist. He later retired as a millwright with General Motors. Clare could fix anything. He was very handy and knowledgeable when it came to construction and building. He built several of his own homes and family members’ homes. Even after his eyesight was failing he would continue to bless his family with his knowledge and troubleshooting abilities by giving instructions on how to fix things. Of all the hobbies and interests that brought Clare joy, none compared to spending time with his family.
Clare married his first wife and the mother of his children, Helen Davis on February 18, 1956 and was a devoted husband until her passing on February 20, 2010. On August 25, 2018 he married Leveta Parker and with that marriage he gladly welcomed his inherited children and grandchildren into his life. Clare and Leveta, both widows were able to surround each other with love, joy and happiness and felt blessed to have each other.
Clare will be fondly remembered by his loving wife, Leveta Campbell; his children, Tim and Karen Campbell of Mansfield, Jennifer and Michael Deane of Butler, Margie and Rev. Steve Burggraf of Mansfield, Jeff and Jessica Campbell of Mansfield; his inherited children, Christine Robertson of Bellville, Sue Webb of Mansfield, David and Sharon Holsapple of Arcanum. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and several extended family members.
In addition to his parents and his first wife, Helen, Clare was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Campbell.
A service to honor Clare’s life and faith will be held 1:00 pm, Friday, May 22, 2026 in Calvary Community Church, 4534 State Route 13, Bellville, Ohio 44813 with Rev. Steve Burggraf and Pastor Chad Berry officiating. The family will greet friends from 11:00 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will be private in the Bellville Cemetery.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via the following website https://www.stjude.org/ or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The Bellville Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Clare E. Campbell. To leave a condolence for the family or share a fond memory please visit Clare’s obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com