Martin "Gene" Campbell

Tribute to Martin "Gene" Campbell, 1938-2016 Martin Eugene Campbell, fondly remembered as "Gene" by his family, friends, and colleagues, died suddenly at his home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, on May 17, 2016, with his loving wife and best friend, Carmen, after enduring considerable health problems. Gene was born in Gadsden, Alabama, on September 7, 1938, to Martin and Alice Parker Campbell. Both of his parents instilled in Gene and his two siblings the value of a good education. After attending 13 different schools in Alabama, Gene graduated from Cullman High School in Cullman, Alabama. Following his high school graduation, Gene spent two years at St. Bernard College and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1960. It was during this time that he was a proud member of the Alabama National Guard as a Tank specialist and earned many sharpshooting marksmanship medals. The Campbell family moved to Lake Worth, Florida. In 1960 Gene accepted a teaching position at Lake Worth Junior High School. After two successful years as a popular American History teacher, he applied to teach in Europe, and was assigned to Baumholder, Germany. While in Baumholder Gene met, courted, and beguiled Carmen Berchekas. They were married on May 31, 1963. Upon returning to the States and for the next 53 years, Gene proudly raised a spirited family of three children, one pony, 19 ducks, 4 dogs, 6 cats, and numerous other unusual pets, was a proud Classroom teacher, earned a Master's of Administration and Supervision Degree from Florida Atlantic University, was elected President of the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers' Association, served with Honor and Distinction in the Florida House of Representatives, was a candidate for Governor of Florida, and was a respected high school administrator for many years. His life's spectacular journey, also, included holding a plethora of leadership roles in his local community, his state and his nation. For relaxation he loved to "hang out" with his Grandchildren, grill the perfect steak, "cuddle" with Carmen, read books, play golf and poker, collect unique pocket knives, watch Western movies, discuss politics, and travel. Gene Campbell was truly an extraordinary Renaissance Man for All Seasons who has left permanent footprints in the sand. He knew that "what is essential is invisible to the eye; it is with the HEART that one sees clearly." Gene was preceded in death by his Father, Martin V. Campbell and his Mother, Alice Parker Campbell. He is survived by his Soulmate, Carmen, Royal Palm Beach, Florida; his beloved daughter Carmen Marie Bumgardner; his beloved son Donald Eugene (Christine Seder) Campbell; his beloved son Daniel Alan (Tiffany Overall) Campbell, Snowball, his beloved Ragdoll Cat; his brother Dr. Ken Campbell; his sister Alice Faye Campbell; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. But most precious to Gene are his inspirational Grandchildren: Nicholas; Zoe Marie; Alecsander George; and Brooke Ann. A Visitation/Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016, from 6-8:00 pm at the Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. A graveside Memorial Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016, at 10:00 am at the Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.