John Robert Campbell

John Robert Campbell was born November 22, 1951, in Alton, IL, to Robert L. and Vera, nee Maguire, Campbell, the oldest of five children. He passed away unexpectedly Thursday evening, May 7, 2026, at HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital, in O’Fallon, IL.

Growing up in Rosewood Heights, John graduated from Roxana High School, class of ’69, as valedictorian. He furthered his education at University of Missouri Rolla, (now Missouri S&T), where he received his degree in Chemical Engineering. He began his career with Conoco Oil Company in 1974 in Ponca City, OK. In 1995 he was transferred to Houston, TX, retiring in 2012 after 38 years of service.

While in Ponca City, John was very active in the Ponca Playhouse, Inc., where he sang and performed in plays and musicals being most noted in the roll of Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha. He also served as Construction Chair, Set Manager, and also served a term as President of the organization. It was there he and Sharon Reser met. They then married February 2, 1980. Both he and Sharon were members of the First United Methodist Church of Ponca City where they were very active in the Chancel Choir, Madrigal Singers and ringing in the Carillon Handbell Choir. Once they relocated to Houston, John found new opportunities to volunteer in the community. His passions centered around his care for animals through Houston ASPCA and as a keeper aide in the Houston Zoo Aquarium. He also enjoyed teaching computer skills to senior citizens at the Harris County Senior Center and was a member of the Bayou City Bells handbell ensemble. John was also a thirty-year member of OGS (Order of the Golden Shillelagh) alumni organization for donors to MS&T. In retirement, he and Sharon travelled extensively, living life to the full. In 2023, they moved to O’Fallon, IL, nearer to John’s roots and family, where he shared his time as a volunteer with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, building beds for children in need.

For those wishing to honor John’s memory, donations are suggested to causes that John supported: Sleep in Heavenly Peace (https://shpbeds.org/chapter/il-metro-east/) or the Houston Zoo (https://www.houstonzoo.org/).

Survivors include his wife Sharon of O’Fallon, IL, siblings Mary Harbke of Wood River, IL.; Steve (Donnell) Campbell of Edwardsville, IL; Lisa (Chris) Myers of Godfrey, IL; and Phil (Rebecca) Campbell of Fargo, ND and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law Eugene and Lillian Reser; brother-in-law Murray Harbke; and sister-in-law Patricia Keene.

The Campbell family will host a private gathering in remembrance of John. Condolences should be shared with the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, IL, is serving the family of John Campbell.